About the role#
This is a paid internship within the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. It is designed to provide students with a career-oriented introduction to forestry management programs. You will receive on-the-job training and exposure to various program functions while gaining a practical understanding of agency policies.
What you'll do#
- Receive intensive training in forestry and natural resource conservation programs.
- Assist in program and conservation planning for forestry practices, such as woodland management, windbreaks, and recreation.
- Gather and assemble preliminary data for conservation plans.
- Learn agency policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Use personal computers for file and data management.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment or acceptance in an accredited high school, college, or graduate institution with at least a half-time academic course load.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- US Citizenship.
- Registration with the Selective Service if you were born after December 31, 1959.
- A valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- Ability to pass a background investigation, fingerprint check, and E-Verify employment verification.
- Completion of high school or GED for GS-02, one year of post-high school study for GS-03, or two years for GS-04.
Location & details#
- This role is located in Hamilton Square, New Jersey, and Summersville, West Virginia.
- The position is on-site and full-time.
- Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week during summer breaks.
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.



