About the role#
This internship provides a career-oriented introduction to the Natural Resources Conservation Service. You will learn the background, philosophy, and scope of soil conservation management programs. Assignments are developmental, designed to build your skills and provide on-the-job training in agency policies and procedures. This role is intended to help you gain the competencies needed for a potential permanent professional position in soil conservation upon graduation.
What you'll do#
- Assist in program and conservation planning for soil and water practices, such as farm drainage systems, terraces, and waterways.
- Perform surveys and set construction stakes for various projects.
- Operate rods, chains, and other specialized instruments to lay out practices.
- Participate in formal and on-the-job training regarding agency regulations and work processes.
- Learn to use personal computers and data management systems for daily tasks.
- Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before finishing your degree.
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 or status as a US National.
- A valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to pass a background investigation, fingerprint check, and E-Verify employment verification.
- Commitment to working full-time during summer breaks.
Location & details#
- The position is on-site in Greenfield, Hadley, Wareham, or West Yarmouth, Massachusetts.
- This is a paid, full-time internship.
- Selected students must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
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.
