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***Application Deadline January 23rd, 2026 at 12 EST***

Summary: The Hospitality and Retail Intern will gain hands-on experience in guest services, retail & hospitality operations and event support while contributing to the organization's mission.

Highlights:

Paid internship - $16.00 per hour with access to benefits
Free onsite housing - personal room with shared living spaces - at our flagship location nestled in the Finger Lakes Region
Hands-on experience engaging with guests and mission-aligned supporters!

Responsibilities:

Retail

Welcome and engage visitors, offering information and wayfinding assistance.
Assist with the opening and closing of the sanctuary shop
Assist with inventory management including restocking, receiving product, ticketing, and visual merchandising
Assist with sales transactions, provide excellent customer service including product recommendations.
Assist with identifying and sourcing local artisanal offerings.
Maintain cleanliness and organization in the shop and visitor areas.
Provide feedback and input on top selling and slow selling merchandise as well as other customer insights.
Assist with running weekly sales and inventory reports

Bed & Breakfast

Assist with guest check-in and check-out and provide warm and welcoming hospitality
Support housekeeping tasks, including room setup and replenishing amenities.
Address guest inquiries and provide information about Farm Sanctuary mission and local attractions
Support onsite manager with weekly guest check-in report to coordinate with housekeeping and cafe manager.
Assist Sanctuary Guides with public and private tours.
Assist with checking in tour visitors and event attendees

Events

Assist with the coordination of onsite experiences and event planning and execution
Assist with maintaining inventory of hospitality event supplies
Provide hands-on support for cafe operations during events, assisting with food prep, service and guest experience.
Help with the solicitations of in-kind donations of food, beverages, etc. by preparing in-kind outreach letters and following up on requests via email and phone calls.

Preferred Qualifications:

Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
Professional and gracious in high-volume situations
Knowledge of farmed animal and vegan issues
Effective communication, public speaking, and outreach skills with various audiences
Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment
Efficient organizational skills and attention to detail
Team player and collaboration skills when working with colleagues
Willingness and ability to perform physical labor and moderate lifting
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record, preferred
Alignment with Farm Sanctuary’s values of compassion, understanding, integrity, transformation, and freedom.
Familiarity, commitment to, and experience with the practice of equity and social justice, and the principles embedded in Farm Sanctuary’s mission

We embrace candidates from a range of backgrounds and experiences, regardless of whether they satisfy all the specified requirements. We encourage you to apply, even if you have an unconventional or non-traditional background

Job Specifications:

Terms of employment: Temporary Full-time, non-exempt
Reports to: Senior Manager, Sanctuary Experience
Location: Watkins Glen, NY

Pay: $16.00/hourSchedule: Wednesday-Sunday, weekends and holidays required

Travel: None
Benefits: Eligibility to participate in Farm Sanctuary’s 403(b) and medical insurance plan
Additional Specifications:

This position is from June 1 to August 31, with optional extension to November 15.
Onsite housing is provided for the duration of seasonal employment. Each intern will have their own room with a locked door and shared bathroom, living room, and kitchen.

Farm Sanctuary is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, or age.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Any photos or videos taken in the scope of employment and/or related to Farm Sanctuary are considered work product and intellectual property of Farm Sanctuary.

Our Process:

Stage 1: Virtual interview with a member of People and Culture
Stage 2: Virtual interview with your on-site supervisor
Stage 3: Reference checks
Stage 4: Job offer

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We invite all applicants to voluntarily share insights about their identities through this survey. Your response will remain anonymous. The data we collect from this survey plays an instrumental role in enhancing our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and strategies in recruiting.

Farm Sanctuary is dedicated to cultivating a work environment that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating space for individuals from diverse backgrounds to flourish and ensuring that each person is valued and respected. We hold a strong conviction that our strength lies in the diversity of perspectives, experiences, and identities, and this diversity better equips us to effectively advance our mission of advocating for just and compassionate vegan living.

We deeply appreciate your cooperation in helping us uphold an environment that celebrates diversity, respects all individuals, and advances our mission of advocating for the well-being of farmed animals.

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Intern, Hospitality and Retail

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