About the role#
This project supports the Plant Germplasm Quarantine Program at the Department of Agriculture. You will gain hands-on experience by assisting with real Federal missions through a volunteer project-based opportunity.
What you'll do#
- Document the importation of plant germplasm and varieties.
- Record stakeholder information, testing data, and digital photography.
- Input data into databases, LIMS systems, or spreadsheets.
- Organize data related to germplasm import, testing, and release.
- Test and apply various data visualization methods.
- Create a final report or poster that features visual summaries of your data and observations.
What you'll need#
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Enrollment at least half-time in an accredited educational institution, such as a college, university, or technical school.
- Completion of at least two years of college coursework.
- Good academic standing as defined by your institution.
- A commitment to volunteer 8 to 20 hours per week for at least 90 days.
- Permission from your educational institution to participate.
Location & details#
- This position is located in Laurel, Maryland.
- This is an on-site, unpaid volunteer role.
- Volunteers are not considered Federal employees and do not receive compensation or 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.
