Fall 2024 Farm Crew Applications Open Now!

We’re offering paid opportunities for current Penn State students interested in working with the Student Farm for the Fall 2024 Semester! Student farmers participating in farm crew positions assist in diversified vegetable, greenhouse, herb and cut flower production, harvesting, and marketing. 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.  

Students participating in seasonal farm crew positions will gain a variety of entry-level farming skills, and we welcome farm crew members hoping to gain more in-depth farm experiences and leadership skills to apply to the year-long Student Farm Internship Cohort Program, which will start the following spring.  

Responsibilities: 

Fall Farm Crew members will assist with many operations on 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 farm crew members participate in may include: 

• Harvest, wash, and pack produce for distribution to campus dining and our direct-to-consumer sales programs. Examples of summer & fall crops that we will be harvesting include tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, herbs, and fresh greens

• Transplanting crops into fields, cultivation, weeding, and general farm clean-up and maintenance

• Assist with volunteer days, events, and other visits at the farm as needed 

Schedule & Compensation:

• Pay is $11/hour

• This is a seasonal position for the Fall Semester 2024: August 26-November 22, with possibility for an earlier start date

• 8-15 hours/week, Monday-Friday, with optional Sunday hours. We will work with you to schedule your farm work shifts around your fall semester class schedule

Qualifications: 

• 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 and ask questions 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!) 

 We encourage applicants to apply by July 1st, which is when interviews begin. Applications will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis until positions are filled. Your cover letter and resume can be sent to Darin Ripp (dfr5440@psu.edu).