Farm and Sustainability Intern

About Pingry
The Pingry School, a prestigious K-12 coeducational, independent day school with a rich history dating back to its founding by Dr. John F. Pingry in 1861, stands at the forefront of academic excellence in the United States. With campuses located in Basking Ridge, Pottersville, and Short Hills, New Jersey, Pingry is celebrated for its academic programs, a student-written Honor Code that underpins our community values, and a comprehensive commitment to arts, athletics, community, and civic engagement. Our mission is to inspire in our students a lifelong passion for learning, personal development, and social responsibility, preparing them to be global citizens and luminaries of the 21st century. Rooted in relationships and guided by our foundational philosophy, Pingry is a vibrant community of more than 1,200 students hailing from over 90 towns across New Jersey and New York. At Pingry, we are united by a love of learning and a commitment to preparing students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and integrity. For more information, we invite you to visit our website at pingry.org or connect with The Pingry School on Facebook, X, and Instagram to discover why we love school.

Sustainability at Pingry
At The Pingry School, experiential learning initiatives directly advance our mission by fostering intellectual, physical, and emotional growth and cultivating responsible, thoughtful citizens. Our 200+ acre Basking Ridge campus serves as a living laboratory, boasting a farm, a large-scale composter, and an extensive trail network. From "green" extracurriculars to cross-disciplinary courses that utilize our forests and fields, Pingry is committed to environmental stewardship and hands-on education.

Position Summary
The Pingry School is seeking a part-time Farm and Sustainability Intern (12-Months)  to support sustainability and experiential education initiatives. The Intern will gain valuable insight, skills, and knowledge in the management of an educational farm and sustainability program. They will be responsible for assisting in the operation of the Basking Ridge farm, garden, greenhouse, composter, and trail network, while collaborating with faculty and students to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.

Salary: $15.92 per hour

Schedule: Part-time, 12-month position (up to 20 hours per week). Days and hours are flexible based on availability and school needs.

We are looking for an individual with a "boots-on-the-ground" mindset who is eager to build a career in sustainability, environmental education, or regenerative agriculture. You are someone who finds joy in the outdoors and understands that the best learning often happens in hands-on experiences. You are a self-starter who can handle the physical demands of farm life while maintaining the professional maturity to mentor students and represent Pingry’s sustainability goals.

The Sustainability Team is looking for professionals who are:

• Purpose-Driven Stewards: You believe that a farm is more than just a plot of land; it is also a classroom. You are passionate about maintaining sustainable systems that inspire others.
• Resilient Problem Solvers: Farm work is unpredictable. You possess the grit and flexibility to pivot tasks based on weather, school schedules, or the needs of our chickens and crops.
• Collaborative Mentors: You enjoy working with Middle and Upper School students, helping them find their own "golden moments" in nature while teaching them the value of hard work and responsibility.
• Sustainability Advocates: You are eager to learn and share knowledge about composting, food systems, and environmental conservation, serving as role models for our "green" initiatives.

Roles and Responsibilities

Farm & Facilities Management

• Core Operations: Manage cafeteria waste composting, greenhouse/garden irrigation, and the care of school chickens.
• Site Upkeep: Ensure the general maintenance and safety of farm and compost facilities, as well as the trail network.
• Project Support: Execute special farm-related projects as directed by the Assistant Director of Experiential Education (Sustainability) in support of Sustainability and Experiential Learning Initiatives.

Student & Faculty Engagement

• Green Team Mentorship: Collaborate with MS and US Green Teams on building projects and sustainability initiatives.
• Leadership Development: Manage student schedules for composting and chicken care, fostering student agency and accountability.
• Classroom Support: Assist faculty in utilizing the farm and forest as experiential laboratories for various academic subjects.

Qualifications and Preferred Experience

• Educational Foundation: High school diploma or equivalent is required; the position is well-suited for individuals currently pursuing or having completed foundational coursework in Environmental Science, Agriculture, Education, or a related field. 
• Professional Interest: A demonstrable interest in sustainability education, regenerative farming, or outdoor leadership.
• Physical Readiness: Must love the outdoors and be willing to work in various weather conditions; ability to lift and carry 25–50 pounds for short distances.
• Interpersonal Skills: A strong desire to work with adolescents and the ability to represent Pingry’s DEIB values within the student body.
• Preferred Skills: Prior experience with farm equipment, outdoor education, or agricultural systems is a plus but not required.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.pingry.org/careers. 

Pingry offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans with employer matching; life and disability insurance; tuition remission for employees' children; and access to wellness and professional development resources.

A full list of benefits is available at www.pingry.org/careers.