Summer Teen Internship (Gardens on Spring Creek))

POSITION TITLE: Summer Teen Internship (Gardens on Spring Creek)) (Hourly) REQUISITION #: req8293 DEPARTMENT: Cultural Services LOCATION: GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK BENEFIT CATEGORY: Variable Hourly EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time Hourly FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt HOURLY RATE: $15.50 per hour SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 2/28/2026. The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile. Post-offer background check required. (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position) While the City of Fort Collins offers many remote and/or hybrid positions, all remote or hybrid work must be performed in the state of Colorado. At the City, we are focused on finding the strongest candidate for the role, and we recognize that excellence can come from a wide variety of experiences and paths. When reviewing applications, we consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and lived experiences that align with the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to view your background broadly and highlight the skills and experiences that best prepare you for the role. Job Summary: Project Hort, short for horticulture, is a full summer stewardship and volunteer program for teens entering 7th through 12th grade who are passionate about gardening, plants, animals or the environment. The Summer Teen Intern is a leadership role within the program working closely with the Youth Programs Coordinator to mentor and assist with coordination of Project Hort participants. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Have an impact on the community by leading service projects and enhancing guest experience at The Gardens on Spring Creek. • Research, create, and lead team building games and team bonding activities. • Connect with teen volunteers throughout the day and act as a “fill in” to provide breaks. • Assist Youth Programs Coordinator with other tasks as assigned. Management Responsibilities: No City Competencies • Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. • Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends. • A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations. • A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Interest in gardening, plants, animals or the environment. • Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and creative. • Work independently, as well as part of a team. • Work with the public in a professional and engaging manner. • Make decisions that take into consideration the emotional and physical safety of the teen volunteers. • Participate in orientation, training programs, and program evaluations. • Must be 14+ years old to apply. • Required Education and Experience • Must be a current high school student. • Required Certifications/Licenses/Specialized Training: NONE • Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions: See ADA Form Time Commitment and Availability: This program is a full summer commitment. However, we understand that vacations are important and will do our best to work with your schedule. • The Project Hort Intern is expected to work 16 hours a week for 9 weeks. - Shifts are typically Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-12:00pm - Start Date: Thursday, May 28th - Mandatory Training Date: Friday, May 29th, 10:00am-1:00pm - Off Week (no hours worked): June 29th – July 3rd - End Date: Thursday, August 6th The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance. Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use: Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy. The City is committed to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. The City does not tolerate behavior that results in the terms and conditions of employment being adversely impacted based on an employee’s protected status, or any behavior that violates this policy. Consistent with the City’s respect for the rights and dignity of each employee, the City is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The City prohibits discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, military, veteran status or uniformed service member status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law. The City is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment. In addition to the City’s commitment to equal opportunity employment, the City strictly prohibits discrimination or retaliation against an employee who raises any reasonable concern about workplace violations of government health or safety rules or a significant threat to the health or safety of City employees or the public, if the City controls the workplace conditions giving rise to the threat or violation. POST OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED. (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position) Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.