Student Farm Intern: 2027 Cohort

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

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.

Interns 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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Strong interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Prioritization

Learning quickly

Meeting deadlines

Team collaboration

Outdoor work

Lifting up to 50 pounds

Reliable transportation

Job description

2027 Student Farm Internship - Cohort Program in University Park, PA

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

• 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.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

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