About the role#
This position is part of the Pathways Student Internship Program at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. It offers paid work experience for students enrolled at least half-time in an accredited high school, college, or vocational program. Interns receive training in natural resources and biological sciences while working toward a potential permanent position upon graduation.
What you'll do#
- Receive specialized training in natural resource conservation programs and agency policies.
- Assist in gathering and assembling data for conservation and natural resource plans.
- Help with planning for soil and water practices, including terraces, waterways, and drainage systems.
- Perform field surveys and set construction stakes for conservation projects.
- Operate specialized instruments like rods and chains.
- Use personal computers and data management systems to complete daily tasks.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment at least half-time in an accredited high school, college, technical, or vocational school.
- Pursuit of a degree or certificate in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related field.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- US Citizenship or status as a US National.
- Selective Service registration if born after December 31, 1959.
- Completion of high school or GED (for GS-02), one full academic year of post-high school study (for GS-03), or two full academic years/associate's degree (for GS-04).
Location & details#
- Locations: Palmer, AK; Wasilla, AK; Redmond, OR.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) during summer breaks, with potential for part-time work during the school year.
- Requirements: A signed participant agreement, successful completion of a background investigation, and a 2-year trial period.
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.
