Baxter Greenhouse Programs Intern

Title: Baxter Greenhouse Programs Intern (Spring 2026)

Time: 12-16 weeks, approximately 10 hrs/week with opportunities in the spring (February- April), summer (May-July),  and fall (August- December) semesters.

Compensation: A stipend is provided to interns as part of the program.

About Us: Baxter Community Center is a 501(c)(3) organization located in the Baxter neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI. Baxter supports neighbors by providing youth and childcare programs, healthcare, emergency food and clothing assistance, and additional educational community programming. The Child Development Center (CDC), Wholistic Health Center, and Marketplace are Baxter’s three pillars and the conduits of this work. The greenhouse and gardens at Baxter are primarily utilized to educate in community programming, the CDC’s garden to early childhood curriculum, and supply produce to the Marketplace food & clothing pantry. 

Description:

The Greenhouse Programs Intern will work closely with our Community Engagement Coordinator and greenhouse volunteers to support the planning, implementation, and maintenance of various Baxter greenhouse programs and initiatives. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in urban greenhouse and garden management, community outreach and education in sustainable urban agriculture.

Responsibilities:

• Greenhouse Maintenance Assistance:
  • Participate in daily greenhouse tasks, including planting, watering,maintaining plant health, and harvesting. 
  • Monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light) and make adjustments as needed..
  • Design and plan raised bed & greenhouse layouts for optimal space utilization (seasonal) 
  • Contribute to the cultivation and care of plants within the raised beds and greenhouse, encompassing a range of tasks such as weeding, proactive pest management, precise pruning, and timely harvesting as required.  
  • Monitor environmental conditions within the greenhouse, including temperature, humidity, and ventilation, to ensure an ideal growing environment.
  • Conduct routine inspections of plants for signs of pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
  • Soil Health and Fertilization: Implement organic fertilization practices, incorporating compost and other soil amendments as needed
  • Transport all harvested produce from the greenhouse/raised beds to the Marketplace pantry
  • Maintain records of greenhouse and raised bed activities, including planting dates, crop rotations, and harvest yields.
  • Provide insights and recommendations for improvements as needed
• Program Assistance:
  • Assist in the planning and execution of greenhouse programs, such as our annual plant sale, educational workshops including gardening and canning classes, and community outreach events. 
  • Assist in the development program materials, including presentations, handouts, and educational resources.
  • Assist in the creation and implementation of new ideas on how to improve greenhouse productivity and sustainability. 

Community Engagement:

• Interact with visitors and community members who visit the greenhouse for educational purposes.
• Provide information and guidance on sustainable gardening and greenhouse practices.
• Research and Innovation:
  • Assist in researching new greenhouse technologies and sustainable growing practices.
  • Experiment with innovative approaches to enhance greenhouse efficiency and environmental friendliness.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a college or university program with an interest in agriculture, environmental science, sustainability, horticulture, public health education or a related field.
• Strong interest in sustainable agriculture
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with greenhouse maintenance, such as lifting and bending.
• Strong knowledge of plant care and gardening practices.
• Computer proficiency, including knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suites. 

Duration: This is a part-time internship position averaging 8-10 hours a week for 12-16 weeks, with a somewhat flexible schedule depending on the time of year and program dates. Currently, most gardening community programs take place on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings. There may be the occasional weekend event that interns would be requested to assist with as well. 

To apply for this internship position, submit a resume to lindsay@baxtercommunitycenter.org. Please include the semester you are applying for and other relevant information pertaining to internship requirements in your email. 

Learn more about Baxter Community Center at www.wearebaxter.org

Baxter Community Center

935 Baxter St. SE, 

Grand Rapids, MI 49506

616-456-8593