Food Science & Garden Education Intern
- SOAR Elementary Summer Program (Summer 2026)
Burlington School District
Expanded Learning Opportunities
- District
- Burlington, Vermont This job is also posted in Burlington School District
Job Details
Job ID:
5753441
Application Deadline:
Posted until filled
Posted:
Jun 02, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date:
Immediately
Job Description
Food Science & Garden Education Intern
SOAR Elementary Summer Program (Summer 2026)
The Burlington School District believes a diverse and culturally proficient faculty and staff are pivotal to the creation of a strong learning and working environment that supports student achievement and success. BSD administrators lead inclusive school communities with our vision: "Cultivating caring, creative, and courageous people.
"
The Mission of the Burlington School District is to graduate students who:
Value different cultures;
Engage with the community;
Communicate effectively;
Think creatively;
Skillfully solve problems; and
Achieve at their highest academic, intellectual and personal potential.
The Burlington School District is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Food Science & Garden Education Intern to support our Summer Opportunities and enRichment (SOAR) Elementary Program. This paid internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in garden-based education, food science instruction, nutrition education, curriculum development, and student engagement.
The SOAR program supports elementary students through academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, and experiential learning opportunities designed to reduce summer learning loss. The Food Science & Garden Education Intern will work alongside the District's Food Science Coordinator to facilitate outdoor garden lessons, cooking activities, and nutrition education experiences for students in grades K-5.
Essential Responsibilities
Support the development of garden-based lessons and cooking activities.
Co-facilitate outdoor garden instruction for elementary students in grades K-5.
Assist with school garden maintenance, including planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and pest management.
Prepare materials and learning spaces for instructional activities.
Support student participation during food science and cooking lessons.
Assist with program cleanup and organization of materials and equipment.
Document student learning experiences through written summaries and reflections.
Create a digital SOAR Summer Cookbook to share with students, families, and staff.
Assist with collecting and organizing student and staff feedback regarding program experiences.
Support program data collection, analysis, and reporting activities.
Preferred Skills & Learning Opportunities
Through this internship, candidates will gain experience in:
Curriculum and lesson development
Garden-based and experiential education
Elementary student engagement and classroom management
Food systems and sustainability education
Culinary and nutrition instruction
Garden maintenance and organic growing practices
Data collection and program evaluation
Collaboration and teamwork
Communication and public education
Creative problem-solving and adaptability
Qualifications
Successful candidates will possess:
Interest in food science, nutrition, gardening, environmental education, or youth development.
Experience working with children in an educational, camp, recreation, or youth-focused setting.
Basic understanding of safe food handling practices and proper hygiene.
Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
Interest in gardening and sustainable growing practices.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Reliability, professionalism, and punctuality.
Basic familiarity with Canva or similar graphic design software.
Reliable transportation.
Physical Requirements
Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
Ability to push or pull garden carts, wheelbarrows, and equipment.
Ability to bend, kneel, and work outdoors for extended periods.
Schedule & Location
SOAR Program Dates:
June 29, 2026
Primary Location:
Integrated Arts Academy (IAA)
6 Archibald Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Program Schedule:
Monday-Thursday, approximately 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Additional garden support, planning, research, and program evaluation work may occur before and after the SOAR program and may include flexible remote work opportunities, as approved by the supervisor.
Compensation
$20.00 per hour
Up to 150 total hours
Maximum earnings of $3,000
Benefits
Complimentary school lunch on SOAR instructional days.
Professional experience working with Burlington School District educators and students.
Opportunities to develop skills in education, food systems, gardening, and program evaluation.
Access to surplus garden produce when available.
Employment Requirements
The selected candidate must successfully complete:
Criminal background check
Vermont fingerprinting process
Please note that the fingerprinting fee is the responsibility of the applicant.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit:
Resume
A brief paragraph describing your interest in the internship and how it aligns with your educational or career goals
Position Type:
Regular Full-Time
Salary:
up to $20 Per Hour
Equal Opportunity Employer
Burlington School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
Job Requirements
Citizenship, residency or work visa required
