Hiring: Garden Program Internships – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Garden Program Internships

Organization Profile/Position Overview

The Garden Program at the Franklin County Jail in Greenfield, Massachusetts offers incarcerated students support educationally, vocationally, and therapeutically. Unpaid interns assist the Garden Program (GP) Instructor with the operation of the program as well as class instruction. Classes take place both indoors and outdoors, and students participate voluntarily.

The program is seeking one or two unpaid interns per semester, preferably students whose course of study has a focus on Student Centered Education, Garden/ Farming Education OR Education for Incarcerated People.

Intern Responsibilities

The duties and tasks for this position include:

• attending gardening classes inside the jail
• helping with clerical work
• facilitating a monthly lesson during gardening class
• helping the program instructor move materials in and out of class areas
• assisting students with basic garden tasks (planting, weeding, watering, harvesting)
• preparing weekly family shares for the Food-to-Families program

Learning Objectives

Interns will:

• become familiar with the operations, security, requirements, and structures of a garden program inside of a county jail
• gain skills as a student-centered educator
• gain skills as a farm and garden educator
• gain skills related to lesson-planning and implementation

Internship Benefits

The intern will receive mentorship from the GP Instructor and the Education Coordinator.

The intern will meet after every shift with the GP Instructor to debrief pedagogically and personally regarding self-care in this setting.

The intern will be invited to at least one program development meeting, with the GP Instructor and involved outside consultants.

The intern will be invited to participate in a dynamic growing movement of Prison Garden Educators.

Intern Requirements

This internship does not require previous experience, However any experience with incarceration, detention, education, farming, gardening, or nutrition will be considered.

The intern must be over 18 and be able to present a valid form of ID.

We require that interns are able to talk in front of and direct groups of adult men and/or women.

Interns will be expected to observe the dress code and security protocols of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

Interns will be required to use a photocopier and Microsoft Word.

Interns will be expected to show up on time for predetermined shifts or contact the GP Instructor prior to missing a shift.

Interns should be able to carry up to 30 lbs for up to five minutes.

Interns should be able to accommodate summer heat, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit a resume for consideration. Additionally we request a cover letter outlining how and why applicants think this internship opportunity will be of value to their course of study, as well as any relevant experience.

Applications should be submitted to jabeles@fcso-ma.us and will be received on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Applications are currently being accepted for Summer and Fall 2023.