Sustainability Operations Intern (Summer)

Experience an unforgettable summer at Interlochen, where creativity thrives! Join our vibrant community for Interlochen Arts Camp 2024, where passionate individuals come together to make art, make friends, and make it the best summer ever. Be part of inspiring the next generation of artists in the idyllic setting of northern Michigan. Embrace the magic and make a lasting impact!

Position Overview

Join us in the summer of 2024 and help us continue the legacy of fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and celebrating the individual artistic journey at Interlochen. We are seeking team-focused and driven Sustainability Operations Interns who embody our core values and are committed to nurturing young artists. As a Sustainability Operations Intern, you assist in supporting the daily operations of the RB Annis Botanical Laboratory and Community Garden with a specific focus on site upkeep and project completion. Sustainability Interns will work closely with the year-round Sustainability Department staff to ensure successful completion of projects on site. Interns may also be involved in site tours, educational program support and coordination, department events, and general support needs.

What You Get To Do

• Oversee daily chores and operations of the RB Annis Botanical Laboratory and Community Garden.
• Be responsible for prioritizing and completing farming tasks (trellising, pruning, digging, harvesting, weeding, hauling wheelbarrows, feeding animals, cleaning coops, composting, etc.) on site.
• Consistently monitor all farm infrastructure and plantings to ensure optimal function and appearance.
• Support Interlochen composting efforts.
• Work closely with and amongst volunteer groups, student groups, and members of the community often.
• Assist with various projects that further ICA's commitment to environmental sustainability. Specifically: campus and shoreline restoration, native plant installations, grounds maintenance, and habitat upkeep.
• Support educational programs on site, including informational tours and student groups learning sessions.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in order to be able to assist other department staff with various projects as needed.
• Communicate effectively with staff to maintain full awareness of projects' completion and labor needs.
• Seek the best use of materials, equipment and staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Comply with ICA policies/procedures and acts as a good steward of ICA finances.
• Respect the culture, diversity and rights of all students, their families and the community.
• Prioritize duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth.
• Assist in completion of building projects

What You Get

• 10% tuition discount for Discovery Camp or 50% Interlochen Arts Camp for dependents
• 20% discount for tickets to most summer concerts.
• 15% discount on merchandise from Scholarshop and food/beverages from Melody Freeze

What You Need

• Availability 6/10/24 - 8/16/24
• High School diploma or GED equivalency required (or <1 year until completion)
• Experienced working with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in gardens in variable weather conditions.
• Possess and utilize excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities to work with others both on a team and independently.
• Flexible and comfortable with shifting priorities, momentary assistance requests, and altering plans.
• Highly self-motivated and self-directed and feel comfortable working with minimal supervision
• Experience working outdoors and educating about sustainability, science, nature, and agriculture.
• Experience working with garden hand tools (shovels, hoes, wheelbarrows, sharp pruners, irrigation equipment, ladders, twine).
• Experience working with power tools (Weed whip, push mower, riding mower, and leaf blower)
• Previous experience with driving a tractor is a plus, but a desire to learn with onsite training will be a must
• Valid driver's license and driving record that meets the eligibility requirements of ICA's insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving).
• Ability to follow and execute specific verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to lift heavy objects, use garden tools, and perform laborious tasks routinely.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to operate in proximity to stinging insects and potentially irritating plants.
• Ability to promote and maintain positive interaction with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Able to demonstrate respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and linguistic diversity and values including differences in personal goals, lifestyle choices and varying family backgrounds and histories.