Friends of Frog Tree Farm, Employer
September 2026 – April/May 2027
Approximately 10–20 hours per week
Friends of Frog Tree Farm is seeking a creative, mission-driven Design Intern to help bring the Minnesota Black Rural History Trail to life. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a one-of-a-kind public history, environmental education, and placemaking project at Frog Tree Farm, Minnesota’s oldest multigenerational Black-owned farm.
Working alongside the Friends of Frog Tree Farm team and volunteer design professionals from Engrafik, you’ll help transform historical research, maps, stories, artwork, and educational content into engaging interpretive signage and visitor experiences that will welcome thousands of visitors for years to come.
This is an ideal opportunity for a student or emerging professional studying graphic design, environmental design, landscape architecture, wayfinding, museum studies, visual communications, or a related field.
Responsibilities
The Design Intern will assist with:
- Designing interpretive trail signage and educational displays
- Creating trail maps, wayfinding signage, and visitor orientation materials
- Developing layouts for historical panels and educational exhibits
- Preparing artwork and files for large-format printing and fabrication
- Collaborating with Frog Tree Farm staff to organize photographs, maps, historical information, and artwork
- Participating in design discussions with professional designers from Engrafik
- Helping establish a consistent visual identity for the Minnesota Black Rural History Trail
- Assisting with revisions based on community and stakeholder feedback
- Organizing project files and maintaining design standards throughout the project
- Other related design and creative tasks as assigned
Desired Qualifications
We’re looking for someone who:
- Is currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Environmental Design, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Fine Arts, or a related field, or who has equivalent practical experience in one of these disciplines
- Has experience using Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and/or Canva or similar design software
- Has strong layout, typography, and visual storytelling skills
- Enjoys working independently while collaborating with a creative team
- Has excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Is interested in history, community engagement, education, sustainability, or public art
- Is excited to help create a permanent public educational experience
Previous experience designing signage or exhibits is helpful, but not required.
Work Schedule
- Approximately 10–20 hours per week
- Flexible schedule
- Hybrid work arrangement
- Most design work can be completed remotely using your own computer and software
- Occasional meetings at Frog Tree Farm (Brooklyn Park and/or Wadena County, MN) or virtually
A driver’s license is not required.
Compensation
This internship includes a $1,500 stipend, paid in installments over the duration of the internship.
About Friends of Frog Tree Farm
Friends of Frog Tree Farm is a Minnesota nonprofit dedicated to environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, education, and preserving Black rural history. The organization is currently developing the Minnesota Black Rural History Trail, an immersive outdoor educational experience that highlights the stories, contributions, and resilience of Black farmers, landowners, and rural communities throughout Minnesota’s history.
The project combines history, landscape, art, environmental education, and community engagement to create a destination that will inspire visitors for generations.
How To Apply
Please submit the requested items (see below) together in a PDF to FriendsOfFrogTreeFarm@gmail.com with the subject line “Interpretive Design Intern, Your Name > Referred by Soladay Olson”…
- Resume
- Brief cover letter explaining your interest*
- Portfolio or samples of your design work (website or PDF)
*In your letter: a) tell us why you’re excited about the opportunity, b) share a specific project you’ve created that relates to interpretive design, c) mention your geographic location and potential to visit the farm, and d) note your expected availability between September 2026 and April/May 2027.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
We look forward to hearing from you!