Student Farm Intern: 2026 Cohort

2026 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 2026 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 Cohort 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

• Plan, host, and lead volunteer days, events, and other tours at the farm

• Drive a university vehicle

Internship Details

• Pay is $12.50/hour - starting during the summer term

• Spring Term (required): completion of a 2-credit training course during the spring 2026 semester.

• Class is held Monday's: 3:30-5pm (1/12/26-3/9/26) and 3:30-6:30pm (3/16/26-4/27/26)

• Summer Term (optional, but encouraged): May 11 - August 19, 35-40 hours/week

• Fall Term (required): August 24-mid November, 12-15 hours/week, internship reflection and presentation; good possibility to continue work in winter and spring 2027, and beyond

• Work is primarily outdoors, physically-oriented, in a team-based environment

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!)