About the role#
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offers paid internship opportunities through the Pathways Student Internship Authority. This role provides a career-oriented introduction to forestry management and natural resource conservation. Interns receive formal training in agency policies, regulations, and work processes while gaining practical experience in the field.
What you'll do#
- Receive specialized training in forestry and natural resource conservation programs.
- Assist with program and conservation planning for forestry practices like windbreaks, woodland management, and recreation activities.
- Gather and assemble preliminary data to support the development of conservation plans.
- Participate in various functional areas related to Forestry and Biological Sciences.
- Use personal computers for data and file management tasks.
- Complete work assignments as outlined in your Pathways Participant Agreement.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment at least half-time in an accredited high school, college, professional, technical, vocational, or trade school.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- US Citizenship or status as a US National.
- A valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- Ability to complete 480 hours of work experience before degree completion.
- Selective Service registration if born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Completion of high school or GED for GS-2, one year of post-high school study for GS-3, or two years for GS-4.
Location & details#
- Locations: Eureka, CA; Merced, CA; Petaluma, CA; Redding, CA; Nespelem, WA.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Employment Type: Full-time.
- Compensation: $35,749 to $59,174 per year.
- Term: Rolling.
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.
