Intern, Hospitality and Retail

***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