Student Farm Intern: 2027 Cohort

Job Description And Position Requirements

The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State University Park is offering paid opportunities for current Penn State students to join the Student Farm team for the 2027 growing season. Student farmers in the internship cohort program will lead and participate in diversified vegetable, greenhouse, herb, and cut flower production, as well as harvesting, marketing, community outreach, volunteer coordination, event planning, and other farm-related activities. Previous experience in agriculture or related fields is welcomed but not required. We seek students who are eager to learn, contribute meaningfully to farm operations, and help foster a positive and collaborative work environment.

Responsibilities

• Promote a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for fellow student employees, volunteers, Student Farm Club members, and classes participating in farm activities.
• Lead and contribute to a variety of farm operations, which may include:
• Attend weekly farm planning and coordination meetings.
• Sow seeds in the greenhouse and field and transplant crops throughout the growing season.
• Manage crop production activities and maintain records related to irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and weed control.
• Harvest, wash, and pack produce for distribution to Penn State Dining and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) customers.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead volunteer workdays, educational tours, community events, and outreach activities.
• Operate and drive University vehicles in accordance with University policies and training requirements.

Internship Details

• Compensation: $13.25 per hour, beginning upon successful completion of the required spring training course.
• Spring 2027 (Required): Completion of a 2-credit training course during the Spring 2027 semester. Mondays, 3:35-5:00 p.m. (January 11-March 8, 2027) Mondays, 3:35-6:30 p.m. (March 15-April 26, 2027)
• Summer 2027 (Optional but encouraged): May 10-August 18, 2027, approximately 35-40 hours per week.
• Fall 2027 (Required): August 23 through mid-November 2027, approximately 12-15 hours per week.
• Interns will complete a reflection and presentation as part of the cohort experience.
• Continuation Opportunities: Interns can continue employment during Winter and Spring 2028 and beyond.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities, learn new tasks quickly, meet deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while seeking guidance and collaborating with farm staff and fellow student farmers when appropriate.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow.
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Reliable transportation between campus and the farm is required. Public transportation and Spin bikes are available as commuting options.

Work Environment

Work is primarily conducted outdoors in a physically active, all-weather, hands-on, and team-oriented environment.

Application Instructions

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.