Job Description:

Spark-Y Interns will work collaboratively within a team under the supervision and mentorship of a Spark-Y Apprentice & Staff Lead to tackle real-world projects within the St. Paul and Minneapolis community. The internship will consist of a week-long orientation followed by 6 weeks of hands-on projects centered around the topics of water stewardship, urban farming/horticulture, and aquaponics broken up by three professional development workshops. Through this immersive experience, interns will participate in meaningful educational opportunities that result in an increased sense of self and their community. 

To apply, please complete this google form by May 5th, 2023.

SCHEDULE

Start Date: June 27th (July 3rd- July 7th off)
End Date: August 18th
Timing: Tuesday - Thursday from 10:00 am - 3:30 pm (30 minute lunch break)

COMPENSATION

  • $500 stipend

  • Sustainability Certification

  • Metro Transit Bus Pass (if requested)

ELIGIBILITY AND SKILLS

Interns must be high school aged (14-17 years old) and have the ability and/or willingness to:

  • Communicate effectively with fellow interns, supervisors, other staff, and the public.

  • Perform tasks including bending over, kneeling, climbing stairs and ladders, standing for long periods of time, and walking significant distances; work in varying weather conditions (ie. rain, excessive heat, etc.).

  • Enter their “growth zone” by challenging themselves to try new things.

POTENTIAL PROJECTS

  • MWMO Green Roof: Maintain Mississippi Watershed Management Organization’s green roof and collect data on water capture and filtration, plant growth, and its impact on the environment. 

  • Holland Basin Rain Garden: Provide plant care and maintenance at the Holland basin, a local rain garden planted by Spark-Y youth in 2021. 

  • North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC): Create and produce an educational video demonstrating how to fillet tilapia to prepare tilapia tacos found in the Spark-Y cookbook. 

  • Spark-Y Educational Timber Frame: Construct an Educational Timber Frame based off of a blueprint while learning the principles of this carpentry technique.

  • Agriculture Growth and Research Innovation: Design an outdoor kitchen for the WEE farm (Wellness and Education for Everyone) and produce a culturally relevant garden layout for the 2024 growing season.

To apply, please complete this google form by May 5th, 2023.

At Spark-Y we value passion, community, balance, integrity, and growth.

We’re a forward-thinking organization fueled by resourceful innovators that take the initiative to better serve our mission. We strongly encourage BIPOC and youth from underrepresented groups to apply. Please also consider applying if you’ve been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact interns@spark-y.org to make any accessibility accommodations. EEOC Employer.