About the role#
This internship provides a career-oriented introduction to the Natural Resources Conservation Service Rangeland Management programs. You will work within the federal government to gain practical experience in conservation planning and biological sciences. This is a full-time position that requires a signed participant agreement and a 2-year trial period.
What you'll do#
- Assist in program and conservation planning for rangeland management practices, including terraces, diversions, and farm drainage systems.
- Gather and assemble preliminary data for conservation plans.
- Maintain accurate field notes and perform preliminary drafting and sketch work.
- Record land features, assemble maps, and identify and classify plants.
- Receive training in OPM, Department of Agriculture, and NRCS policies and procedures.
- Learn to use personal computers and manage data and files.
What you'll need#
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Current enrollment or acceptance at least half-time in an accredited educational institution.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- Ability to complete 480 hours of work experience before graduation.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Education requirements: Completion of high school/GED (GS-02), 1 full year of post-high school study (GS-03), or 2 full years of post-high school study (GS-04).
Location & details#
- Locations: Dickinson, ND; Bridgeport, NE; North Platte, NE; Fairview, OK; Nowata, OK; Roby, TX.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- This is a paid, full-time 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.
