Intern, Hospitality and Retail

Farm Sanctuary • Watkins Glen, NY

7h • Onsite

About The Position

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. This paid internship offers $16.00 per hour and access to benefits. Interns will receive free onsite housing in a personal room with shared living spaces at the flagship location in the Finger Lakes Region. This role provides hands-on experience engaging with guests and mission-aligned supporters.

Requirements

• 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
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record, preferred

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Paid internship - $16.00 per hour
• Access to benefits
• Free onsite housing - personal room with shared living spaces
• Eligibility to participate in Farm Sanctuary’s 403(b) and medical insurance plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed