Overview

Are you looking for a dynamic student internship where you can grow your career while continuing to attend school? Want to help ensure a climate-resilient, sustainable future for our nation’s agriculture, forests, and natural resources? An internship with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) might be a great fit for you!

NRCS is seeking current students with a passion for the environment and commitment to action through public service to participate in our Pathways Student Internship program. As a Student Trainee – Soil Conservation, your duties and responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting in program and conservation planning for a variety of soil and water management practices, such as terraces, diversions, waterways, farm drainage systems, and more.
  • Assisting in the gathering and assembly of preliminary data for use in developing and applying conservation plans.
  • Performing surveys and set construction stakes for a variety of practices. May operate rod or chain or other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices.
  • Assisting with planning or conducting meetings for the purpose of aiding customers in gaining a better understanding of their conservation issues.

Interns will receive on-the-job training and exposure to a variety of functional areas within Soil Conservation Management, Biological Sciences, and related natural resource conservation programs. As training advances and proficiency is demonstrated, intern work assignments will become increasingly challenging in order to provide formal experience in the principles, concepts, work processes, and regulations of their assigned program. All assignments are developmental in nature, and, in conjunction with formal education, interns will gain the necessary competencies to prepare them for conversion to a permanent position with the agency following completion of the Pathways program.

We have several vacancies available in locations throughout the country. Interested applicants will need to create a free USAJOBS account, complete an assessment questionnaire to confirm eligibility, and submit current transcripts, proof of enrollment, and resume. Please review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.gov for specific eligibility and qualification information, as well as further instructions to apply.

About USDA-NRCS

With the mission of “Helping People Help the Land,” the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Indiana provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers to implement conservation practices to address natural resource concerns on their land related to soil health, water and air quality, and wildlife habitat as well as implement climate-smart agriculture practices. With our help, producers are better able to conserve, maintain or improve their natural resources. As a result of our technical and financial assistance, land managers and communities take a comprehensive approach to the use and protection of natural resources in rural, suburban, urban, and developing areas.

Indiana NRCS has personnel in USDA Service Centers who work with local conservation districts and other partners to serve farmers and landowners throughout the state.