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.

RIPA is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for employees and partners while working together as an organization to cohesively fulfill RIPA’s mission.

Internship description

Department: Urban Farm
Title: Urban Farm Summer Intern
Job Type: Internship/Apprenticeship; Contracted Part-time; Seasonal; Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $20/hr.; 20 hrs./week
Duration: July 5, 2026 – August 15, 2026
Work Location: 10 Central Road, 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 20 hours per week, with a schedule of Tuesdays, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Thursdays, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, and Saturdays, 10 AM – 3:30 PM. The intern will report to Urban Farm Manager and take direction from the Urban Farm team. Funding for this 6-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, answer questions, and direct 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.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline