The Makoce Agriculture Development Internship is designed for individuals who are interested in Indigenous food systems, nonprofit work, regenerative agriculture, community development, communications, and hands-on learning. Interns will support one or more program areas, including the Food Hub, Food Systems Institute, Communications, Biobased initiatives, Food Systems Alliance, and Farm Initiative. This internship offers an opportunity to contribute to community-centered projects while gaining practical experience in food systems planning, education, outreach, and nonprofit operations.

• Location: Porcupine, South Dakota / Pine Ridge Reservation, with possible remote or hybrid tasks depending on the role.

• Schedule: 12 week program; Flexible; 20 hours/week

• Compensation: $15/hr

• Ages: 18-26 years old

• Reports to: Makoce program staff or designated internship supervisor.

• Start date: To be determined.

• Application closes Friday, August 21, 2026

Key Responsibilities

• Support program staff with research, outreach, documentation, and administrative tasks.

• Assist with community events, trainings, meetings, and educational activities.

• Contribute to communications materials, including written updates, photos, social media drafts, and storytelling projects.

• Help organize information, contact lists, meeting notes, program files, and resource materials.

• Participate in farm, food hub, or food systems-related activities as assigned.

• Engage respectfully with community members, partners, producers, elders, youth, and staff.

• Learn about Indigenous food sovereignty, regenerative agriculture, nonprofit development, and community-led systems change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in Indigenous food systems, agriculture, community development, nonprofit work, or environmental stewardship.

• Respect for Lakota culture, community knowledge, and local leadership.

• Strong communication, organization, and follow-through skills.

• Willingness to learn, ask questions, and work as part of a team.

• Comfort with both office-based and field-based tasks, depending on the internship focus area.

• Experience with writing, social media, farming, event support, research, or community outreach is helpful but not required.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain practical experience in nonprofit program support and community-based food systems work.

• Build understanding of Indigenous food sovereignty, regenerative agriculture, and local food economies.

• Develop skills in communications, project coordination, research, documentation, and relationship-based outreach.

• Learn how education, production, infrastructure, policy, and partnerships work together to strengthen food systems.

• Contribute to meaningful projects that support healthy homelands, community wellbeing, and long-term food system resilience.

Primary Internship Focus Areas

Interns may support education, meeting preparation, curriculum organization, event coordination, and community learning opportunities through the Food Systems Institute. This may include helping prepare materials for producer trainings, Indigenous food systems education, and collaborative gatherings.

Food Hub Intern

Interns may assist with planning, outreach, research, and operational support related to Makoce’s Food Hub, a community-centered space designed to connect local producers, food entrepreneurs, educators, and families with resources, markets, and nourishing local foods.

Food Systems Institute Intern

Farm Intern