Food Science & Garden Education Intern – SOAR Elementary Summer Program; Summer

Food Science & Garden Education Intern – SOAR Elementary Summer Program (Summer 2026)

Starting Date: Immediately

We are hiring an enthusiastic and motivated Food Science & Garden Education Intern to support our Summer Opportunities and Enrichment (SOAR) Elementary Program. This paid internship offers hands‑on experience in garden‑based education, food science instruction, nutrition education, curriculum development, and student engagement.

The 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

SOAR Program Dates:
June 29, 2026 – July 30, 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.

• $20.00 per hour, up to 150 total hours, maximum earnings of $3,000.
• 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.

• Criminal background check.
• Vermont fingerprinting process.

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.