Monday, March 25, 2024

Intern for a Day

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Intern for a Day Spring 2022 ROUND II!
You can find a list of the opportunities here ranging from agriculture, environmental safety, education, business, research, human resource, media, communication, and government. 
All details: go.umd.edu/ifad

Did you miss the application for Intern for a Day the first time around??  
We still have many opportunities available, so check it out!  We have in-person job shadowing and virtual informational interviews available for UMD undergraduate students.

What Happens Next?
  1. Enroll in our mandatory online orientation.  Deadline to complete orientation is Sunday, April 7th @ 11:59pm.
  2. Review the list of professionals available to you and determine who you would like to preference on your application!  Applications will be sent on Monday, April 8th for students who completed the mandatory orientation (linked above).
  3. Complete the application by Sunday, April 14th @ 11:59pm and the IFAD team will start matching students with hosts the next day and throughout the week.
All details can be found at go.umd.edu/ifad.  Questions not addressed on the website can be addressed to ifad@umd.edu.

Food Recovery Network Volunteers

Food Recovery Network, an on-campus organization that recovers leftover food from dining halls to be redistributed to those in need, is currently recruiting drivers. This is a volunteer position that is a weekly commitment in which a driver transports recovered food from a dining hall to a nearby facility. If interested, further descriptions of the position as well as the application can be found HERE. Any questions can be directed to frn.umd@gmail.com

Hughes Center Internship

The Hughes Center is offering an internship this summer. It's a communications internship geared toward agricultural and environmental outreach. We hosted it last year with great success. They're seeking one undergraduate student within UMD to work with me to create and execute a social media plan based on our research projects, plus work with me on a few outreach videos this year. The full internship description is attached but is also available on our website here. Students can apply here: https://forms.gle/6qU9xVgMS4QPJULp7. The deadline to apply is April 18.

Special Projects Associate Director


Young Farmers seeks a Special Projects Associate Director to design and implement solutions to long-range executive projects. You will utilize your keen skills and depth of experience in project and change management to tackle major organizational bottlenecks that fall outside of the scope of regular duties. The Special Projects Associate Director position is a full-time, remote position.

Title: Special Projects Associate Director
Reports to: Katherine Un, co-Executive Director
Status: Full Time; Exempt
Location: Remote, U.S. Based Home Office – Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.
Start date: May 20, 2024

Responsibilities

Board Management (35%)
• Independently lead the development, execution of, and training for efficient Board processes - including writing and maintaining a clear and approachable Board handbook, proactively managing Board softwares and administration such as Board calendar, email, and documents and ensuring understanding and accountability to timeliness in key decision-making moments such as e-votes or document review.
• Prepare Board reports, attend Board meetings and take minutes, and support as requested in full Board and Board committee meetings including the audit committee, the planning and special projects committee and the search committee.
• Develop strong working relationships with Board members, analyze and improve Board culture to add value to the experience of leadership at Young Farmers.
• Connects Board members and staff in opportunities for collaboration for instance by leading a prospecting working group with selected Board members and the Development Team or connecting Board members to grassroots speaking opportunities.
• Serve as an administrative liaison between the Board and the Executive Team.

Monitoring and Evaluation (35%)
• Design and support the strategy and implementation of collaborative annual planning, the process by which teams set goals, metrics, and timelines for the year ahead. Create an annual planning timeline and process that allows for meaningful staff contribution, ensures cross-team feedback, and enables clarity and visibility to organizational goals and initiatives across the organization..
• Maintain and improve systems for staff and leadership to efficiently monitor and report outcomes of their annual work plans.
• Collaborate with Monitoring and Evaluation team to ensure consistency of project management systems and processes that streamline operations across the organization.
• Annually audit teams' usage of project management systems to identify gaps and opportunities for implementing new streamlined solutions.
• Train staff in project management and outcome monitoring processes to ensure optimal usage and universal adoption across staff. Provide ongoing technical support and coaching to staff to fully utilize and optimize project management systems.

Executive-Level Programmatic Support (20%)
• Independently manage the Coalition’s first point of contacts, our info@ email account and our general voicemail, with a focus on clear and gracious communication and timely responses.
• Manage complex, multi-team internal funds such as our conference attendance fund. Ensure that staff are trained regularly on the use, that the fund’s processes are equitable and strategic and that decisions are made and delivered in a timely and clear manner.
• Provide ad hoc support to teams with urgent capacity needs. Learn new processes and skills quickly and step into teams in motion effectively and confidently.

General Staff Responsibilities (10%)
• Serve as a contributing team member who willingly supports organizational efforts in alignment with the strategic plan and models the organizational values.
• All staff admin: individually complete time cards and expense reports on time, attend weekly staff calls, supervisory meetings, team meetings, staff retreats, and other staff social spaces, and participate in providing feedback and implementation of annual processes.

*The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing every activity, duty or responsibility that is required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change slightly or be added depending on the needs of the organization.

Qualifications

This could be the right position for you, if you can demonstrate the following:

Ideal candidate:
• Proven experience in managing and delivering complex projects with multiple stakeholders and governing levels
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Excel in balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders and departments to ensure that projects are completed successfully.
• Possess a high level of communication skills and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience managing complex and unique projects requiring creative problem-solving and strategic planning
• Robust experience using project management software, with an ability to support other team’s utilization through training, buildout, and optimizing uses
• Solutions-focused: You take ownership of challenges, get things done and enjoy creating operational and administrative solutions that keep the office running efficiently
• Strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly in a fast-paced environment with excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines;
• Familiarity or experience in nonprofit Board governance

The ideal candidate may also have:
• Experience working in a fully remote environment.
• Experience working on a farm or ranch and/or rooted in the agricultural community.

Schedule and Compensation

EXAMPLE FOR FULL-TIME EXEMPT SALARIED EMPLOYEE:
• Regular full-time exempt employees work 40 hours per week including a one (1) hour paid lunch break each day.
• The current salary for this role is $80,340, in accordance with our 2024 Salary Guidelines.
• Young Farmers offers a competitive benefits package, health, vision and dental insurance, generous paid time off, paid sick days, personal days, paid family leave, and retirement matching.

How to Apply

Apply by March 29, 2024 using this form to be considered for an interview. Applications without both a cover letter and resume will be considered incomplete.

*The job post is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing every activity, duty or responsibility that is required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change slightly or be added depending on the needs of the organization.


Hughes Center Offering Two Internship Programs In Summer 2024

 


The Harry Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology seeks students for two internship programs over the summer of 2024: the Russ Brinsfield Agro-Ecology Internship Program and a Science Communications and Outreach Internship.


Please feel free to share this announcement with any UMD students you think may be interested in applying.

Science Communications and Outreach Internship (One Student)

This program focuses on agricultural and environmental communications. The intern will work with the Hughes Center to create social media, video and newsletter content. This internship is ideal for someone interested in entering the field of agricultural and environmental communications and outreach, public relations, or Extension.


More information about the internship and how to apply is available to download here or online at go.umd.edu/SciCommInternship.


Applications for the Science Communications and Outreach Internship are due Thursday, April 18, 2024.

More Information

Russ Brinsfield Agro-Ecology Internship Program (Multiple Students):

This is a collaborative internship program between the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology and the University of Maryland Agriculture Law Education Initiative. Undergraduate students at the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and also law students enrolled at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law who are interested in careers in agriculture, environmental conservation, forestry, and/or policy are encouraged to apply.

 

The internship will introduce students to a number of complex natural resource issues, including but not limited to, Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, agricultural practices, and local food production. During the course of the internship, students will meet diverse stakeholders and engage in the complex interaction between the agricultural and environmental conservation and policy communities. They will be introduced to legislators and staff at state agencies as they work to resolve challenges. The internship is funded by organizations seeking to build leaders who are able to appreciate all sides of complex issues and develop solutions that consider the needs of industry, environment, economy and policymakers.

 

More information about the internship and how to apply is available to download here or online at go.umd.edu/BrinsfieldInternship.

 

Applications for the Brinsfield Agro-Ecology Summer Internship Program are due Monday, April 15, 2024.

More Information

Special Programs and Education Program Assistant

 

Special programs and education program assistant - Summer 2024


  1. Job Description
    Reporting to the assistant dean for academic programs in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources AGNR), this person will help in the development, offering, assessment, and documentation of various summer outreach and curricular programs for prospective high school and college students outside of AGNR.
     

  2. Job Duties

  • Provide administrative support for scheduling, logistics, program delivery, and after program assessment for various summer programs and visits offered by the college.

  • Assist with the running of a one-week urban forestry camp on campus.

  • Be a chaperone for field trip visits to UMD (the campus farm, the campus green house, the AGNR turf grass facility, and others) and off-campus (terp farm, Port of Baltimore, USDA, and others) by students in the Ag Discovery and Baltimore Youth Works programs.

  • Provide informational tours of the Campus Farm, as requested.

  • Create SOPs and program documentation for the various tours and programs we do or plan to offer.

  • Assist (with guidance) in the development of experiential learning modules related to a new I-series/Big Question course to be offered at the 200 level.

  1. Eligibility

  • Current undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park in the Spring 2024 semester. Students studying abroad or on a leave of absence in this semester may be eligible depending on circumstances.  Preference will be given to current AGNR students.

  • 2.6 cumulative GPA or better with at least 15 credits earned before the application deadline/participant limit.

  • Good judicial and financial standing with the University.

  • Expected to hold the position for the entirety of the summer

  • Eligible to work in the U.S. and successfully complete payroll requirements at the time beginning the position


  1. Desired skills

  • Experience working with high school students or college students as a camp counselor, UTA, volunteer, or similar position

  • Ability to write in a clear, well-organized, professional manner

  • Strong organizational and communication skills

  • G-Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Forms)

  • Excellent time management

  • Interest or background in one or more of the majors in the College of AGNR with preference given to students currently in an AGNR major.

  • Experience volunteering, working on, or taking class(es) at the campus farm

  1. Work hours
    Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm.

  2. Work location 

In person, on campus in Symons Hall at the University of Maryland, College Park.  Occasional, off-site field trips to Baltimore City, Upper Marlboro, and Annapolis, MD.

  1. Compensation

$15/hour with expectation of 40 hours/week of employment for the duration of the position.

  1. Dates
    Application deadline:  Sunday, March 24th at 5pm

Position dates:  June 1st, 2024 through August 23rd, 2024.


  1. Application instructions

Please apply here!

National Farmers Union - Washington, DC

National Farmers Union (NFU) is seeking interns to assist with projects in government relations, communications, and membership. This internship provides first-hand experience in monitoring legislative and regulatory activity in the federal government, creating written or visual content for publications, planning educational and advocacy events, and supporting the organization’s 200,000 members.

NFU internship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis for the following semesters:

Summer  (Apply by April 1)
Fall (Apply by July 1)
Winter/Spring (Apply by November 1)

To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and short writing sample to employment@nfudc.org.

Parks and Environmental Conservation Manager

Department of Parks and Recreation

1250 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
$86,533 - $121,147 a year - Full-time

Full job description

This position is located in the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Parks and Environmental Conservation Program. The program is responsible for managing parks and undeveloped open spaces within the agency's portfolio to include all environmental education and natural conservation activities contained therein. The incumbent coordinates and manages a variety of environmental program activities and is responsible for the preservation of natural resources and the promotion of good conservation and stewardship practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent of this position will directly manage the Parks & Environmental Conservation program, including but not limited to staff and program management. Plays a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, providing clean water and clean air, and enabling conservation of natural resources. Works in collaboration with Urban Park Rangers to protect open spaces for the common good and actively leads sustainability activities in support of environmental conservation. Provides education interpretation of the value of conservation to the public, connects children and youth to nature and the outdoors and coordinates environmental stewardship with other public and nonprofit entities.

Performs a variety of professional, administrative, and programmatic work daily in support of assigned properties. Plans and coordinates with agency staff numerous special events, projects and activities involving volunteers and other interested parties. Establishes and manages park property management plans, coordinates with other District agencies, as necessary, to ensure the availability of required resources necessary to administer and maintain park property. Assists senior leadership in the development and administration of park capital improvements. Designs, develops, and monitors programs and program activities. Reviews performance of program staff; recommends and implements modifications to programs as necessary.

Qualifications and Education

Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or its non-District equivalent. Specialized experience is directly related work experience that provided the applicant the ability, knowledge, skills, principles, methods, and techniques to plan, organize, coordinate, supervise and evaluate a Parks & Environmental Conservation program. Examples of specialized experience include experience in the administration of environmental programs; experience developing or implementing environmental policies, programs, plans, or research projects; experience conducting a critical and/or sensitive environmental monitoring and surveillance or environmental management program or experience in park maintenance work.

Licenses and Certifications

The incumbent is required to possess a valid motor vehicle operator's permit.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday, 8:15 am to 4:45 pm

Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service (MSS) - (At-Will). All positions and appointments in the Management Supervisory Service serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential

Pay Plan, Series, and Grade: MS-301-12

Salary Range: $81,544 - $114,162; based on funding

Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is not in a collective bargaining unit

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Protection Sensitive. Pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying security sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and test:

(a) Criminal background check

(b) Traffic record check (as applicable)

(c) Consumer credit check (as applicable)

(d) Pre-employment drug and alcohol test

(e) Post accident or incident drug and alcohol test

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is a Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, natural origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap or political affiliation.

 

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Sustainability Career Panel


Attend the Sustainability Career Panel being put on by the Office of Sustainability for an opportunity to learn about careers in the realm of sustainability such as environmental planning, environmental law, and water restoration from UMD alumni. The event will be held March 27th from 5pm-6:30pm in ESJ 0024. If you are interested in attending, please register through the Google Form. We hope to see you there!
 

Inaugural Youth Advisory Council Opportunity with Climate Equity Collaborative

Climate Equity Collaborative Accepting Applications for Inaugural Youth Advisory Council

Full application summary, here.

The Climate Equity Collaborative (CEC) is currently seeking applications from youth across the nation to join CEC’s 2024 inaugural Youth Advisory Council (YAC). This role offers an opportunity for individuals (ages 18-28) to participate in thought leadership around CEC’s governance, strategy, and other critical initiatives. In this position, youth will have the unique opportunity to participate in external engagements arranged by the CEC team, which may include:

  • Opportunities to speak on panels with your peers.
  • Networking with your YAC cohort or other advisors.
  • Meet & greets with CEC and NWF partners or employees.
  • Opportunities to contribute to CEC and NWF social media, blogs, podcasts, etc.
  • Professional development & skill set development workshops

Members will also receive a $500 stipend for their participation in 5 monthly meetings.

Key responsibilities for YAC members include:

  • Participation in and contribution to five 1.5-2 hr meetings from March to August 2024 (roughly one per month) focused on CEC governance, strategy and future developments.
  • Commitment to providing CEC with feedback, thought-leadership, and input to help ensure our governance and initiatives are youth-inspired and youth-informed.

Preferred requirements for YAC members include, but are not limited to:

  • Experience, skills and knowledge surrounding some or all of the following (either through lived or learned experience): climate equity/inequity, youth climate action, community engagement, public-private partnership.
  • Demonstrated interest in the mission of the Youth Advisory Council and desire to support the 2024 Council Objectives.
  • Strong communication skills and an interest in partnership/network development.
  • Possesses a positive energy and demonstrates leadership skills, and/or a desire to build professional skill sets.

Thank you for your interest, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to Marley Hauser (hauserm@nwf.org) with any questions or concerns.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

CMREC Dairy Internship

 Internship/ Student Employment Opportunity


2024 AGNR Dairy Exhibit Team


The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides a milking cow, dairy heifer, and

dairy industry education display for summer exhibition. This exhibit also promotes the

University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources educational curriculum,

extension and research programs. We are looking for students to prepare these animals for

exhibit, attend fairs with the string of animals, be responsible for their care, interact with the

public and potentially show them in the ring.

Requirements:

● Students will need to have their own mode of transportation to get to work at the farm, as

well as the state fairgrounds. The dairy farm is located at the Central Research and

Education Center (CMREC), 4240 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042.

● Students must be available to work through the entire state fair Friday August 23rd thru

Sunday August 25th, Wednesday August 28th thru Monday September 2nd, Friday

September 6th thru Sunday September 8th- with exceptions made for attending classes

● Students will begin working Monday June 3rd starting at 8am with a minimum of about 20

hours per week that will increase as fair approaches.

● Students must be able to work together as a team to accomplish tasks and take

responsibility for the tasks assigned to them. This exhibit does not happen without an

attitude of teamwork.

● Students should be prepared to work hard during responsibilities. This internship requires a

level of dedication, attention to detail and willingness to work hard and requires personal

accountability and responsibility.


Training will include

● Cow selection-how to select a good dairy cow or heifer

● Cow handling-how to safely work around cattle and halter break them to lead and show

● Cow washing-properly washing cattle

● Cow clipping-properly clipping dairy animals for show

● Basic knowledge of the dairy industry and how to interact with the public

● Will also include a broad overview of how a dairy farm operates with interactions with the

herd vet and involvement in research projects

● Participation in exhibiting and showing heifers at the Howard County Fair August 6-10, 2024.

Gain valuable large animal experience and get paid, as well as potential college credits in the form

of an internship if interested.


● Students will earn $16.15 per hour

During the Maryland State Fair

● Passes for admission to the fair will be provided

● Lodging nearby the fairgrounds will be provided

● All meals will be provided

● You will get to interact with a diverse group of people and meet many of Maryland’s elite

agriculture representatives

● Students will work under the direction and supervision of Brian Schnebly, Dairy operations

manager.


Applications should be submitted to Brian Schnebly, Dairy Operations Manager at

bschnebl@umd.edu, and must include your resume, a paragraph detailing animal experience

and why you would be a good choice for the team. Please include any other information that

may be relevant. Resumes must be submitted by Monday, April 1, 2024 to be considered,

interviews will be conducted during the week of April 8-12, 2024.

Field to Market Communications Coordinator

 

Field to Market seeks a Communications Coordinator to drive both strategic external and member-facing communications. In this role, the Communications Coordinator will continue to build upon and enhance Field to Market's reputation as the voice of the agricultural value chain.

More information here!

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Farmers Market Staff

FRESHFARM is seeking lovers of local food to join our team as Farmers Market Staff or Substitutes! If you’re a creative and flexible problem solver who enjoys working on a team, spending time outdoors, and promoting regional, accessible, fresh food – this is the role for you. Market Staff are responsible for executing market operations, interfacing with stakeholders, and creating a vibrant and friendly market. Our team is currently seeking Market Staff in NW and/or NE DC on weekends and Substitutes in Fairfax County, VA or the Silver Spring, MD / NW DC area. No resume or cover letter is needed to apply! See our employment page for more details.