About the role#
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offers a Student Trainee program for individuals interested in Agronomy and Biological Sciences. This internship provides a career-oriented introduction to conservation management programs and agency policies. Participants receive developmental work assignments that grow in complexity as they gain experience, with the goal of preparing interns for potential conversion to permanent professional roles upon graduation.
What you'll do#
- Assist with site and condition surveys.
- Provide technical guidance to landowners regarding conservation practices like pest, nutrient, and irrigation management.
- Help plan and conduct meetings to assist customers with conservation challenges.
- Participate in on-the-job training covering Agronomy and Biological Sciences functions.
- Learn and apply agency policies, regulations, and work processes.
- Use personal computers for file and data management.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment or acceptance at an accredited high school, college, or graduate institution at least half-time.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5.
- US Citizenship.
- A valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- Ability to complete 480 hours of work experience before graduation.
- Successful completion of E-Verify and a background investigation or fingerprint check.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Location & details#
- Locations: Colfax, WA and Dayton, WA.
- Modality: Hybrid and on-site.
- Schedule: Full-time during summer breaks with potential for part-time work during the school year.
- Status: Paid internship.
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.
