FARM TO INSTITUTION INTERN
New York/New Jersey Region
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families. Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.
Farm to Institution NYS (FINYS) is a statewide initiative of American Farmland Trust working to strengthen the economic security of farmers and the health of New Yorkers by empowering institutions to spend their food budget on foods grown in New York. FINYS connects growers and producers in the state to supply chain partners and institutional buyers through education, advocacy, outreach, and storytelling. FINYS hosts the state’s New York Farm to School Institute to prepare school districts in building their farm to school programs and connecting with regional farmers.
The Farm to Institution NYS Intern will be assisting staff in American Farmland Trust’s FINYS program on research and resource creation on climate action in farm to school and Farm to Early Childhood Education in New York. Primary activities will include:
- Research on Farm to Early Childhood Education (ECE) in New York
- Conduct interviews with NY Farm to ECE stakeholders and draft FINYS Farm to ECE success story
- Research on climate action/climate justice initiatives within New York Farm to School
- Develop climate justice materials for NY Farm to School Institute and FINYS Buyer Learning Center
- Participate in weekly FINYS team meetings
- Participate in relevant Communities of Practice meetings and workshops as needed
This position will be paid a stipend with an expectation that the Farm to Institution Intern will work approximately 135 hours between June - August 2024. Preference will be given to students with a background in agriculture, food systems, food studies, sustainability, nutrition, and/or public health.
AFT believes that diversity strengthens our community. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and strongly encourage applications from individuals:
- from racial and ethnic groups that have been underrepresented.
- with disabilities.
- who are/were Pell Grant-eligible in college.
- who are/were enrolled in Tribal Colleges and Universities, community colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- who identify as LGBTQ+.
- disadvantaged by life circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities.
Why Intern with Us?
As an intern with us, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing sustainable farming practices, addressing climate change, and more. Through mentorship, and engaging projects, we aim to empower interns to become leaders in the sustainable agriculture movement.
As an AFT intern you will:
- Gain hands-on experience and practical skills that will serve you well in your future career.
- Work closely with our team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping you succeed.
- Receive mentorship, designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.
- Play a vital role in projects that promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, and make a difference in the lives of farmers, consumers, and the planet.
Schedule & Compensation
AFT generally begins the recruiting process for an intern based on the following schedule:
- Summer internship positions are posted by February, for a start date after Memorial Day.
- Fall internships by April, for a start date after Labor Day.
- Spring internships by October, for a start date between New Year’s Day/ February 1st.
Each internship cycle is approximately 8-10 weeks in duration. Schedules will vary and are flexible around students’ schedules with an average weekly commitment of 20-37.5 hours, depending on project needs.
AFT interns are compensated based on academic program level (undergraduate/graduate) the nature of the internship, required duties, and/or complexity of a designated project’s scope and outcomes.
Who can Apply?
To be eligible for an AFT internship, students must be:
- Legally authorized to work in the US.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university and possess at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
How to Apply for an Internship at AFT
If you're eager to make a difference in supporting farmers, communities and the environment while gaining valuable experience, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in AFT’s mission to protect the land that sustains us, and how your skills and experiences align with the internship.
American Farmland Trust provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
