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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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

2025 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 interested in working with the Student Farm for the 2025 growing season! Student farmers participating in the internship cohort program lead and participate in diversified vegetable, greenhouse, herb and cut flower production, harvest, marketing, community outreach, volunteer management, event planning, and more. Previous experience in relevant fields is welcome, but not required. We do ask students to be motivated to learn and contribute to a positive work environment. 

Responsibilities 

Student Farm Interns are the ambassadors to the farm and lead many operations related to the farm. Essential roles include ensuring that safety, produce quality, and a fun work environment are maintained among co-workers, volunteers, Student Farm Club members, and courses that may visit and work on the farm. Farm activities that Student Farm Interns lead and participate in may include: 

• Attend weekly farm planning meetings
• Sow seeds in greenhouse and field, transplant plants in field
• Manage production and recordkeeping including irrigation, fertilization, pest and weed management
• Harvest, wash, and pack produce for distribution to campus dining and our CSA direct-to-consumer sales
• Work with community partners including food pantries, community gardens, and area schools
• Plan, host, and lead volunteer days, events, and other tours at the farm
• Drive a university vehicle

Internship Details 

• Pay is $11.50/hour – starting during the summer term
• Spring Term (required): completion of a 2-credit training course during spring 2025 semester. Class is held Monday’s from 3:30-6:30pm
• Summer Term (optional, but encouraged): May 12 – August 20, 35-40 hours/week
• Fall Term (required): August 25-mid November, 12-15 hours/week, internship reflection and presentation; good possibility to continue work in winter and spring 2026, and beyond
• Work is primarily outdoors, with computer-based work including record keeping, event planning and blog writing

Qualifications 

• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Able to prioritize and learn new tasks quickly, meet deadlines, and enjoy a fast-paced work environment
• Must be self-motivated and be able to work independently, while also having the willingness to seek guidance as needed from farm staff and other student farmers
• Able to work outdoors in varied weather conditions including hot, cold, wind, rain, and snow
• Able to lift 50 pounds
• Own transportation between the farm and campus is required (bus and Spin bikes available!)
• This job requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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