Urban Farm Summer Intern

Randall's Island Park Alliance is seeking a part-time Urban Farm Summer Intern for a seasonal position from June 22 to August 16, 2025, in New York, NY. The intern will engage in agricultural practices, assist with farm maintenance, and interact with visitors during community programs. The role requires a commitment of 15 hours per week, with specific workdays and responsibilities focused on farming and education.
Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc.

Posting Dates: 5/7/2025 – Until Filled

Department: Urban Farm

Title: Urban Farm Summer Intern

Job Type: Internship/Apprenticeship; Contracted Part-time; Seasonal; Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $20/hr.; 15 hrs./week

Duration: Jun 22, 2025 – August 16, 2025

Work Location: Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Urban Farm Summer Internship Program offers an in-depth introduction to Randall’s Island Park Alliance’s Urban Farm’s agricultural practices and its weekend community engagement programs. The intern will participate in the farm’s weekly harvest, the execution of its crop plan, and day-to-day maintenance of the farm’s growing space. On weekends, the intern will engage adult and youth farm and park visitors during the Urban Farm’s open hours, festivals, and other environmental education programs. The intern is expected to work fifteen hours per week, with a schedule of Tuesdays, 9 AM – 2:30 PM, Fridays, 9 AM – 2:30 PM, and Saturdays, 10 AM – 3:30 PM. The intern will report to Urban Farm Manager and the Urban Farm Lead.

Funding for this 8-week internship is provided by City Gardens Club of NYC.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Harvest, wash and pack produce alongside the Farm Team for the LSA Family Health Services Food Pantry in East Harlem.
• Assist facilitating the Urban Farm’s weekend Open Hours. This includes the set up and breakdown of the Urban Farm’s welcome table, tot lot (an interactive exploration and play area for kids), seedling distribution hub, and botanical craft box.
• Greet visitors on the farm, answering questions and directing them to resources for exploration and discovery.
• Engage children and adults in interactive activities that increase their understanding of edible plants and nature.
• Participate in the day-to-day maintenance of the urban farm’s growing space: weeding, transplanting, seeding and composting as needed.
• Prepare for public programs on the Urban Farm and around the park.
• Table alongside farm staff at island-wide festivals, speaking & educating the public on the Urban Farm’s crops and programs.
• Assist the Farm Team in the watering and irrigation of the Farm as needed.
• Other general farm tasks, as assigned.

This internship description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all functions that an intern in this position may be asked to perform.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Enrolled in high school (rising junior standing or higher) or enrolled in college.
• Strong interest or familiarity in sustainable agriculture, urban farming, gardening, environmental education and/or public programming.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Good public speaking skills and eagerness to engage with the public.
• Motivated and punctual, able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to collaborate and create positive working relationships.
• Willing to work in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions (hot and/or humid weather, mosquitos, bees, pollen).
• Ability to perform physical labor and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Please have at least one reference available, upon request.

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
• Knowledge of computers basics (Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Familiarity with sustainable farm practices and/or urban gardening

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes in a diverse and an inclusive workspace and environment.

RIPA maintains confidentiality of all applications and therefore will never contact a present employer without prior consent from the applicant.