About the role#
The USDA Economic Research Service offers a volunteer project-based opportunity for students to support federal missions. This role is unpaid and requires a commitment of 8 to 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days. You will gain hands-on experience while contributing to research projects.
What you'll do#
- Collect, clean, and organize state-level SNAP policy information.
- Update the ERS SNAP Policy Database using Excel and STATA.
- Contribute to economics research projects that examine the effects of SNAP policy changes or participation.
- Draft and develop outreach products related to nutrition outcomes and SNAP policy.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment at least half-time in an accredited educational institution, such as a college, university, or technical school.
- Good academic standing.
- U.S. Citizenship or status as a U.S. National.
- Proficiency in writing, editing, and communication.
- Experience using MS Excel and STATA.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to search for information effectively.
- Experience with R is a bonus.
Location & details#
- This position is fully remote and open to students located anywhere in the United States.
- This is an unpaid volunteer position. You are not considered a federal employee, and this service does not accrue leave or provide benefits.
About USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture is a federal executive department. It manages government policy regarding farming, food, and agriculture. The agency works to support ranchers and farmers while promoting agricultural trade. It also oversees food safety, rural community development, and natural resource protection. The department maintains offices in Washington, DC and other locations.
How to get in at USDA
Securing an internship at the USDA requires a proactive approach to navigating federal hiring cycles. Because early applicants are often reviewed before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable, Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you apply among the first. This timing can be the difference between your application being seen and getting lost in a large volume of submissions. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the recruiters behind these roles directly. Intern Insider surfaces the specific recruiters behind the USDA roles, allowing you to ask relevant questions about the position or inquire about a referral. Connecting with the right person often provides the clarity needed to stand out in a competitive government hiring process.
