Company description

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. (RIPA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works with the City of New York and local communities to provide an innovative and exciting destination through a wide range of sports venues, cultural events and environmental exploration. As the dedicated steward of Randall’s Island Park, the Alliance sustains, maintains, develops and programs the Park to support the wellbeing of all New Yorkers.

Internship description

Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc.
Title: Greenhouse Management Internship
Department: Urban Farm Job Type: Internship/Apprenticeship; Part-time; Seasonal; Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: $20/hr.; 8 hrs./week, one to two days a week with some flexibility.
Duration: March 24 – June 24, 2025
Work Location: Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Intern in Greenhouse Management will receive hands-on training in seeding, propagation, and seedling care while working closely with the Urban Farm’s experienced urban agriculture professionals. By assisting in day-to-day greenhouse work, the intern will support the Urban Farm’s 2025 Community Seedling Distribution Program. The program, which ambitiously expands the farm’s no-cost seedling distribution efforts, will produce 3,000 seedlings and aims to increase access to healthy food in New York City by bolstering local food production. The intern will gain exposure to the growing field of urban agriculture and gain valuable experience in plant care. Interns will report to the Urban Farm Manager and take direction from the Urban Farm Lead and the Urban Farm Coordinator.
Funding for this 14-week internship is provided by the 2024 Urban Farms and Community Garden Grant Program administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
· Provide care to greenhouse seedlings including sowing, watering, potting up, monitoring insects and disease, and managing plant nutrition.
· Assist in maintaining the greenhouse at the appropriate temperature, humidity, and light level.
· Record seeding, germination, and plant health. Report any irregularities to the Urban Farm team.
· Sift soil and make soil blocks for seeding.
· Pot up and label seedlings for distribution.
· Maintain the greenhouse, work area, and hose in an orderly manner.
· Coordinate with the Urban Farm Coordinators and Urban Farm Manager to determine daily activities.
· 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 (junior standing or higher), or enrolled in college
· Strong interest or familiarity in sustainable agriculture, urban farming, food systems, and greenhouse management
· Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
· 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, etc.)
· Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
· Please have at least one reference available, upon request

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
· Knowledge of computer 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.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

March 10, 2025