Community Farm Intern

About the Role

The Flour Mill Community Farm is seeking an intern to assist with daily operations, community food initiatives, and sustainability efforts at the farm located in Greater Sudbury, Ontario. This paid internship offers hands-on experience in urban agriculture, food preservation, community outreach, and local food education aimed at enhancing food security, supporting youth empowerment, advancing climate resilience, and promoting community connection within the Flour Mill neighborhood. The position is partially funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, planting, watering, weeding, crop maintenance, harvesting, and general farm care.
• Implement sustainable and regenerative farming practices including composting, crop rotation, ecological pest control, soil health promotion, and waste reduction.
• Support weekly farm markets, facilitate food distribution, and manage pay-what-you-can produce access for locals.
• Participate in food preservation techniques such as fermentation, pickling, drying, freezing, and storage to minimize waste and extend produce usability.
• Collaborate on developing farm-to-table menu ideas and community food programming using farm-grown ingredients.
• Coordinate and deliver community workshops, farm tours, outreach events, and intergenerational learning experiences.
• Engage community members, including seniors, youth, volunteers, partners, and visitors, with respect and inclusivity.
• Assist with communications, marketing, and outreach by promoting farm activities, workshops, and volunteer opportunities through community networks, newsletters, posters, and social media.
• Record farm activities, monitor yields, track food waste and composting, document market engagement, and contribute to program evaluations.
• Conduct research on local food systems, climate resilience, food security, and sustainable practices relevant to Sudbury.
• Prepare a final report outlining activities, outcomes, insights, and recommendations to enhance sustainability and reduce the farm’s carbon footprint.

Qualifications and Skills

• Genuine interest in urban agriculture, food security, sustainability, climate action, community development, or environmental education.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable summer weather and perform physical tasks such as lifting, bending, carrying, watering, and weeding.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to respectfully collaborate with diverse groups, including youth, seniors, newcomers, volunteers, community partners, and low-income residents.
• Dependable, organized, adaptable, and eager to learn practical skills in a hands-on setting.
• Experience in gardening, farming, cooking, food preservation, community programming, or engagement with youth or seniors is an advantage.
• Some experience with communications or social media content creation is beneficial.
• Basic computer proficiency to support recordkeeping, research, and reporting tasks.

Working Conditions

The intern will primarily work outdoors at the Flour Mill Community Farm, engaging in physical labor such as planting, harvesting, carrying supplies, and setting up markets or workshops, often in changing weather. Some indoor activities will include administrative tasks like research, reporting, planning, communications, and food preservation.

About the Flour Mill Community Farm

This urban farm in Greater Sudbury's Flour Mill neighborhood focuses on food security, youth employment, environmental sustainability, and fostering community connections. The farm produces fresh crops through ecological methods and improves food accessibility via markets and local partnerships. It also serves as a hub for learning, volunteering, skill development, and multi-generational interaction.

Eligibility Criteria

• New to the workforce, transitioning careers, or unemployed/underemployed entering a new field.
• Has not previously participated in the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation’s People & Talent Program.
• At least 18 years old.
• Resident of Northern Ontario, specifically Greater Sudbury.
• Legally permitted to work in Canada.
• Available to begin on-site work starting Monday, July 27, 2026.

Compensation and Application

This paid internship offers a wage of $24.50 per hour. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter describing their interest in sustainable agriculture and community food initiatives to the provided contact. The application deadline is Friday, July 17, 2026.