Sustainable Agriculture/Agrotourism Internship

Employment type: Full-Time
Application Due Date: January 30, 2026

Sustainable Agriculture/Agrotourism Internship – Summer 2026

Location: Tollgate Farm and Education Center

28115 Meadowbrook Rd, Novi, MI 48377

Compensation: $15.00/hour

$1,000 will also be provided for operating expenses and business travel

Internship Dates: May 11, 2026 – July 31, 2026. (Flexible)

Supervisors:

Dr. Derek Plotkowski – Fruit Extension Educator

Monique Mose – Sustainable Agriculture Program Instructor

Internship Description:

This internship will provide hands-on experience in horticultural production, sustainable agriculture, and community-based educational programming at the MSU Extension Tollgate Farm. The selected intern will work closely with the Tollgate Farm Sustainable Agriculture Program Instructor and the MSU Extension Fruit & Farm Market Educator for Southeast Michigan. A key component of the internship will be continuing the development of a farm stand project initiated by a previous intern. The selected intern will support this initiative by creating marketing materials and assisting with the operation and promotion of the market. The intern will gain direct experience in sustainable fruit and vegetable production, including planting, transplanting, irrigation, weeding, pest and disease management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. The intern will work with a variety of crops grown on the farm, learning seasonally appropriate care techniques and organic or low-input production methods. Additional responsibilities include helping to implement at least one educational program for gardeners and coordinating one agritourism event, such as a U-Pick Flower Day or a community farm tour. The internship also includes at least one professional development day each week. These days will involve a combination of shadowing and assisting the Fruit & Farm Market Educator. Through this internship, the student will gain practical experience in planting and managing fruit and vegetable crops, local food marketing, agritourism, and educational program development. The role offers a well-rounded introduction to the key elements of community-based agriculture and Extension programming.

Expectations and Eligibility:

Due to the intensive nature of this program, it is expected that students will not enroll in summer coursework or accept other employment during the work week. Taking one online course up to 4 credits during the summer would be acceptable. Students may opt to enroll for academic credit in ANR 493 (3 credits) or an appropriate XXX 493 or XXX 293; the student is responsible for any tuition and enrollment fees. Regardless of academic enrollment, all interns will complete the same academic intern reporting including time sheets, weekly reports, mid-internship report and evaluation, final evaluation, and final internship poster. Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

· Is a current MSU or NC A&T undergraduate student through August 2026,

· Preferably is returning for one or more semesters of undergraduate study after Summer 2026 (i.e., not graduating before December 2026),

· Is eligible for employment in the USA; international students must obtain an appropriate visa,

· Cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.0 scale),

· Able to commit to full-time employment during the 12-week summer program,

· Have access to reliable transportation

· Will be at least 18 years old by May 1, 2026.

To Apply: Please apply by January 30, 2026 to Handshake Posting #10501655 with your resume, cover letter, and transcript.