About the role#
This internship provides a career-oriented introduction to the Natural Resources Conservation Service. You will gain practical experience in agronomy and biological sciences while learning about agency policies and procedures. This is a developmental role designed to build the competencies needed for a permanent professional position in agronomy. Interns receive formal and on-the-job training that increases in complexity as proficiency is demonstrated.
What you'll do#
- Assist with site and condition surveys.
- Provide technical guidance to landowners and operators regarding conservation practices like nutrient management, pest control, and irrigation.
- Help plan or conduct meetings to support customers with their conservation challenges.
- Perform file and data management tasks using personal computers.
- Participate in training sessions covering agronomy principles, work processes, and federal regulations.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment at least half-time at an accredited educational institution.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Completion of at least 480 hours of work experience before degree completion.
- Valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to pass a background investigation, fingerprint check, and E-Verify employment verification.
- Education level meeting one of the following: high school diploma/GED (GS-2), one full academic year of post-high school study (GS-3), or two full academic years of post-high school study (GS-4).
Location & details#
- Locations: Marshall, Minnesota and Bismarck, North Dakota.
- Work modality: On-site.
- Employment type: Full-time.
- This is a 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.
