Community Harvest Internships with Portland Fruit Tree Project

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Thank you for your interest in applying to serve as an intern with Portland Fruit Tree Project! Many who have taken advantage of this exciting, hands-on opportunity have learned skills that have led to work with great organizations such as Portland Youth Builders, Neighborhood House, Green Lents, and Mother Earth School.

The three Community Harvest Interns will assist in the coordination of Portland Fruit Tree Project's harvesting events, co-lead harvesting events, and conduct site visits with registered tree owners. Of the three interns, each will take a lead role coordinating one of the following: our Tree Scouting & Tree Registration program, tree care activities through our Community Orchards/Fruit Tree Stewardship programs, or our Group & Benefit Harvest program.

Time commitment: 12-20 hours per week, for 6 months (June 15th to December 15th)
Location: You would be working primarily out of PFTP headquarters in NE Portland, but will be traveling throughout the City of Portland for site visits and harvesting events.

This internship is unpaid, but the rewards are many - including a great learning experience and lots of delicious fresh fruit! This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be a part of a vibrant and growing organization.

You will gain great event coordination and volunteer coordination experience; connections in the local food & urban agriculture movement, and the fulfillment of knowing that your efforts will make a positive impact for hundreds of people in the Portland area! You will be given diverse responsibilities and have many opportunities for hands-on professional development such that you will gain many marketable skills for your resume.


"I would like to thank PFTP for giving me the opportunity to contribute to their mission of increasing equal access to healthy food in Portland. My internship has been an extremely valuable learning experience that has also been a lot of fun! I would encourage anyone who is interested in helping their community to get involved anyway they can." - Gavin Flynn, Community Harvest & Tree Care Intern, Sept 2013 - April 2014

Intern responsibilities:

• Work with PFTP staff and volunteers to plan and co-lead harvesting events
• Assist volunteers in distributing fruit to people in need via food bank partners
• Work with staff to coordinate either the Tree Scouting & Tree Registration program, tree care activities through our Community Orchards and Fruit Tree Stewardship programs, or our Group & Benefit Harvest program.
• Conduct pre-harvest site visits at the homes of our registered tree owners
• Assist with outreach to engage diverse participants
• Perform related tracking, record-keeping, and data entry

Position Requirements:

• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, climb ladders, and harvest fruit in a variety of settings including on soft ground, uneven ground and steep slopes.
• Flexible schedule to include evening and weekend events.
• Familiar and comfortable with computers, including email, spreadsheets, etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and well-organized.
• Ability to engage in positive, professional manner with diverse populations, including project participants, partners, volunteers, and the general public.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to the mission/goals of Portland Fruit Tree Project.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current drivers’ license & active car insurance.
• Interest or experience in urban agriculture and/or community food security
• Experience working with volunteers and/or leading groups
• Experience with low-income communities
• Knowledge/experience with fruit trees
• Familiarity with Portland geography and local communities
• Ability to speak Spanish (or other language common to Portland) helpful but not required

To Apply:
Please email a cover letter and one-page resume to Bob Hatton: bob[at]portlandfruit.org

In your cover letter, please note whether you are most interested in the Tree Scouting, Tree Care, or Group & Benefit Harvest focus. Applications are due by Monday May 16th, 2016

If you have any questions about this position, please call 503-284-6106 or email the address provided above.