Youth Opportunities

Interested in working with the Community Food Team as a youth intern or program leader? Learn more about positions and hiring processes below!

Summer Youth Interns

Income-qualified Monroe County youth, ages 14-15, 20 hours/week.

In this six-week program (early July-mid August), interns complete urban agriculture projects at several community gardens in Rochester. Eligible youth must apply through the RochesterWorks Summer Youth Employment Program. The application typically opens in January. In the application, list urban agriculture as an interest and Taproot Collective as preferred employer for the best chance to be one of the youth we interview. No prior employment or gardening experience required. For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the RochesterWorks website and click on “Summer Youth Employment (SYEP)."

School-Year Youth Leaders

Income-qualified Monroe County Youth, ages 15-17, 2-6 hours/week.

Our school-year program is primarily designed for successful graduates of our summer program. Over the course of the academic year, Youth Leaders develop skills and knowledge in food justice, leadership, and teamwork. Youth Leaders will manage First Market Farm as a youth-led growing space, support school garden clubs, and help plan the summer program. Youth who successfully complete the school-year program are eligible for hire as Summer Peer Leaders (below).

Summer Peer Leaders

Income-qualified Monroe County Youth, ages 15-17, 30 hours/week, 7 weeks.

Peer Leaders play an essential role in our summer programming: leading projects, modelling exemplary workplace behavior, and learning alongside Summer Youth Interns. Successful Peer Leaders will get top consideration for Team Leader positions when they become age-eligible.

Summer Team Leaders

Age 18+ with high school diploma/GED, 40 hours/week, 8 weeks

Team Leaders assist Site Supervisors in all aspects of the summer youth employment program: preparing and closing shifts, planning and leading activities, and ensuring smooth daily operations. In addition to previous Peer Leaders, this is a great opportunity for young people with some experience in outdoor youth leadership. In 2025, Team Leaders will serve as seasonal AmeriCorps members through Monroe Community College and will receive a cash education award upon successful completion of the program in addition to a weekly living stipend.

Summer Site Supervisors (Adult)

Adult applicants only, 40-45 hours/week, up to 10 weeks.

Site Supervisors will independently lead a team of Youth Interns, Peer Leaders, and Team Leaders to complete projects at several gardens over the course of the 6 week summer program, with close support from Taproot’s year-round staff. This is a great opportunity for educators and youth development specialists looking for summer employment - start dates are flexible. Prior gardening experience is helpful but not strictly required. Openings posted on Taproot’s Jobs & Internships page in early spring.