About the role#
This position is part of the Pathways Student Internship Program. It provides students with paid work experience in federal forestry and natural resource conservation. You will receive intensive training in agency policies, regulations, and biological science concepts. This role serves as a career-oriented introduction to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
What you'll do#
- Receive specialized training in forestry and natural resource conservation programs.
- Assist in program and conservation planning for forestry practices, including woodland and recreation management.
- Gather and assemble data to help develop conservation plans.
- Use personal computers for file and data management tasks.
- Participate in formal and on-the-job training regarding agency rules and procedures.
What you'll need#
- Must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in an accredited educational institution.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before graduating.
- Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service or exempt.
- Pass a background investigation, fingerprint check, and E-Verify employment verification.
Location & details#
- Positions are located in London, KY; Morehead, KY; Mount Sterling, KY; Goldsboro, NC; and Waynesville, NC.
- This is a full-time, on-site internship.
- Selected interns may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent position upon successful completion of program requirements, though conversion is not guaranteed.
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.



