Research Opportunity in Precision Agriculture Lab (PAL)

Research Opportunity in Precision Agriculture Lab (PAL)

The Precision Agriculture Lab (PAL) at the University of Maryland is seeking multiple motivated and

passionate undergraduate/graduate students to join our team on various projects. The students

will be paid an hourly rate. The selected candidates will have the opportunity to work on cutting-

edge research in climate- and water-smart precision irrigation and drainage water management,

focusing on regionally represented crop/soil-specific data in Maryland.

Project Overview: The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced

irrigation and drainage engineering models and methods tailored for different irrigation systems

and technologies. The students work with the principal investigator and PAL team in developing

science-based cropping information tailored to Maryland's unique conditions, including peak

consumptive water use rates, evapotranspiration rates, rooting depths, and recommended plant

and row spacing. The candidate will also provide help with the Maryland-specific Irrigation Guide

and science-based Irrigation Water Management (IWM) plans to assist in irrigation and improve

water use efficiency.

Qualifications and Preferences:

• Background in agronomy, environmental science, animal science, crop and soil science or related fields.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Students will get the opportunity to lead extension articles.
• Prior experience and ability to work in lab, field, and computer programming environments.
• Experience working with Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Maryland. Out-of-state travel may also be required based on availability.
• Flexible work schedule required for data collection in the evening or on weekends.
•  Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Prior experience with irrigation and/or drainage water management.
• Prepare project reports by collecting data on crops, soil, and water.
• Minimal physical lifting (less than 30 lbs.) in laboratory and field environments.

For more information about PAL and Principal Investigator, please visit: Precision Agriculture Lab website, https://agnr.umd.edu/about/directory/hemendra-kumar/.

Interested candidates are encouraged to send their CV and cover letter to Dr. Hemendra Kumar at

hemendra@umd.edu to apply for the position.

2 Student Positions: Agrivoltaic Demonstration Project

 Agrivoltaics combines agricultural production and solar photovoltaic power on the same land. Through research plots at the Wye Research Educational Center (REC) (Queenstown, MD) and Western Maryland REC (Keedysville, MD), the project aims to provide farmers with research-based recommendations to implement within their operations. Additionally, this project seeks to assess best land use management practices to maximize sustainable and profitable endeavors for Maryland entities.

For best consideration, please fill out this form by January 21, 2025. 

Application: go.umd.edu/AgrivoltaicApplication

Agribusiness Student Position

Agricultural Science Student Position

UMD Extension Summer Internships

Creating Leadership and Professional Development Through 

Extension Internships, Summer 2025

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) is seeking undergraduate students interested in careers in Extension and agriculture industries. 

Applications are now open for the 2025 Creating Leadership and Professional Development Through Extension Internships Program. The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm (EST) March 23, 2025. Students that are interested in a career in Extension or agriculture industries and want to learn more about Extension, applied research, and community outreach, while gaining professional development, leadership skills, and job experience, please encourage them to apply. This is a great experiential learning opportunity for students seeking a degree or professional certification in agriculture, natural sciences, biological sciences, and related programs. We prioritize students currently enrolled in a two-year program and sophomores and juniors enrolled in a four-year degree program. This is a paid internship!

When you access the online application at - https://go.umd.edu/extensioninternships, you will need to fill out the form and send your cover letter,  resume, unofficial transcripts, and two (2) letters of recommendation -- at least one must be from a current or former professor/instructor, to andrea1@umd.edu. 

Sustainable Forestry Initiative Conference + Scholarship

 

Apply today for a scholarship for the 2025 SFI Annual Conference at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the 2025 SFI Annual Conference! https://pltcanada.org/en/youth-delegates/

 

The scholarships will cover registration costs, travel, food, and accommodation during the conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Please note, that hotel rooms will not be provided for youth living in Minneapolis.

 

Early applicants get priority consideration! Apply today!  Applications due March 1. 

SERC Opportunities

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) currently has multiple positions open that would be of interest to recent grads and current undergrads:

Spring Opportunities: Education Spring Internship and Public Engagement Spring Internship. These are both full time 40 hrs/week and take place this spring so would be appropriate for recent grads.

Summer Opportunities: posted on the website, on LinkedIn, and on Handshake

Are you passionate about science and eager to be involved with research that can shape the future of our planet? The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is now accepting applications to join our 2025 team of summer interns! 

Interns at SERC conduct independent projects on a wide range of topics, including some of the most profound issues challenging our world today, such as habitat loss, climate change and invasive species. The internship program enables students to work on independent research projects relevant to their own academic and professional goals under the mentorship of an internship supervisor. Projects span the range of research conducted at SERC, including environmental chemistry, marine and estuarine ecology, molecular ecology and terrestrial ecology. Projects are also offered in public engagement, with opportunities in environmental education, participatory science and science writing.

Summer interns are paid a stipend of $650 per week, and on-site dormitory housing is available. Internship appointments are typically full time (40 hours per week) and 10-16 weeks long.

Please visit the SERC Internship page for more details and application instructions. Applications are due by February 15.

The SERC community recognizes the value of diversity in promoting innovative science and creative solutions, and we strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Internships are designed as training and skill-building opportunities for students and recent grads in the early stages of their careers. We recognize that each applicant will bring unique skills, knowledge, experiences and background to these positions, including experience that may not be directly related to science or research. 

NASA Wildlands Fire Internship Opportunity

 Employment Timeframe: Depending on the speed of the hiring paperwork, the approximate start date is January 2025. Employment can continue (if the project manager and the student agree) until December 2025. The exact end date will be determined by funding levels and the amount of work left after the bulk of the mapping is completed. The project manager will check in at the end of every semester to determine if the student wants to continue working. 

Project: Manual mapping of cropland field burning using various Earth Observation datasets. Candidates are required to 1)  vectorize cropland field boundaries, 2) visually interpret cropland field conditions using a combination of commercial high-resolution (Planet), Sentinel-2, and Landsat-8 imagery, and 3) record pertinent information for each field with the shapefile attribute table. The data is created manually since we are creating validation data for a burned area product. 

Skills: ArcGIS or QGIS skills required. Knowledge of remote sensing imagery is desired. Self-management is important as most hours will be unsupervised - outside of training and regular meetings to monitor progress. 

Computer equipment: A personal laptop (with ArcGIS/QGIS) or access to the GEOG computer labs is required.

Hourly rate: $15 - $18 an hour. The exact amount TBD. 

Hours per week: up to 40 hours per week. Ideally, 10 hours a week is the minimum (flexible during exam weeks, etc.)

Internship Opportunity: You can enroll in the internship credit alongside the hourly pay. Please speak to your undergraduate advisor for eligibility. 

Contact Information:  Dr. Joanne Hall, Assistant Research Professor, Email: jhall1@umd.edu

Please email Dr. Hall your resume if you are interested. 

Study Abroad Brazil - Summer 2025 Virtual Info Session, Dec 12, 6PM

We would like to invite you to join our second info session and Q&A on ZOOM, Thursday Dec 12 at 6PM, for our new study abroad course (AGST/ANSC470) to Brazil. This exciting course will include 17 guided days throughout Brazil starting at the end of May 2025. In the session — in addition to the itinerary — we will cover costs, scholarship support, and the application process. 

The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students who will engage collaboratively with Brazilian students and stakeholders to evaluate and analyze agri-food value chains — from production/cultivation, to processing, to marketing, to consumption — unpacking the natural resource, sociocultural, and economic dynamics across these stages. We will visit Rio de Janeiro, various parts of Minas Gerais, and São Paulo. 

More information about the program can be found here.

We hope to see you there!

Applications open at the Urban Farm Incubator in Watkins Regional Park

Applications are now open for two open plots at the Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro.  There is a single 1/2 acre plot, and a single 1/4 acre plot. 

Farmers seeking to start or scale a commercial farm production business can apply until December 6th.  Information about the Incubator is here, instructions for how to apply are here. 

Associate @ Conservation Innovation Fund (ag focus) - Hybrid/DC

Conservation Innovation Fund, a non-profit impact finance firm dedicated to improving sustainability on working agricultural lands, is hiring for an Associate. We're seeking a proactive, detail-oriented, mid-career professional to join our team. If you're passionate about sustainable agriculture, conservation, and innovative finance, this role could be perfect. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through January 1st. I'm happy to chat with anyone who is interested in the role. 

Soil Health Specialist Position with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

 The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (Alliance) is a regional nonprofit organization whose vision is clean streams and rivers flowing through resilient landscapes, cared for by the people who live, work, and play in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and whose mission is to bring together communities, companies, and conservationists to improve our lands and waters. The Alliance was founded in 1971 and has offices in Annapolis, MD, Lancaster, PA, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA.

The Soil Health Specialist is a fast-paced full-time position that will work directly with farmers and a broad set of project partners on agriculture conservation, water quality improvement, and climate-smart practices. The Specialist will engage directly with farmers to provide technical guidance for field-based practices aimed at improving the soil health of crop and pasture lands. Throughout each farm’s planning and implementation process, this position will help farmers troubleshoot common obstacles to changing in-field practices and manure management techniques. The Specialist will utilize their expertise to collaborate with the Alliance’s corporate partners by providing feedback on the development of climate-focused programming. This position will work under the supervision of the Senior Agriculture Projects Manager to help advance the Alliance Agriculture Program’s implementation of conservation practices that promote improved soil health, water quality, and climate resilience throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The position will participate in, develop, and/or lead farmer and partner relations, internal team learning, project management, grant applications, partnership development with corporate and nonprofit partners, and programmatic and financial reporting. Substantial fieldwork is necessary, and, thus, field-savviness is integral to this position.

For more information: 

https://www.chesapeakenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Soil-Health-Specialist.pdf

Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Adviser Program

Our 2025 scholarship is now open. The board agreed to fund up to $1,500 in scholarship funding for the 2025 school year. Applications are due January 31st.

https://www.midatlanticcca.org/scholarships/

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a resident of or attending a college or university in the Mid-Atlantic Region – Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, or West Virginia.
• Applicant must be working towards an undergraduate degree in plant or soil sciences, agronomy, or an agriculture-related field.
• Applicant is only eligible to receive the scholarship two times.

Leland Fellowships

The Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship is a two-year opportunity to promote global food and nutrition security through learning and hands-on work. If you're ready to work to eradicate hunger and poverty, develop your skills as a leader, and become an effective agent of change, read on.

Leland Fellows gain experience and professional skills working with host organizations in development or humanitarian placements around the world.

Fellows are placed in two separate offices of their host organization, often a country office and a regional or headquarters office. Through these two placements, fellows get an unparalleled breadth of experience within the sector and learn to see what works in international development—and what doesn't—and how to make the system more efficient, more effective, and more just.

Learn more here: https://hungercenter.org/what-we-do/leland-fellowship/fellows/

Invasive Plant Management Internships

 

EPA Internships

 

Marketing Coordinator at American Farmland Trust Full Time | Washington, DC | Hybrid | $60,000-$65,000

 Who We Are

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

 

Job Purpose  

AFT’s Marketing team deploys multi-channel, integrated marketing communications to support the communication goals and grow the supporter base of the organization. The Marketing Coordinator works across the organization to raise awareness of the brand through public outreach, retail and marketing communications. This position reports to the Director of Marketing and is an integral part of the national Communications team. 

 

Position Summary  

The Marketing Coordinator works with leadership, staff, partners, and vendors to conduct outreach, deliver communications, coordinate campaigns, and develop new resources to support AFT’s mission. They engage daily with supporters, farmers and ranchers, and the public both on the ground and through media. 

The primary responsibility is to support the Marketing team and National Communications division operations, specifically through public outreach, events and branded retail.  The role will also support general National Communications administrative tasks and take on other marketing responsibilities in social media, email marketing, content and design. 

The Marketing Coordinator implements event and outreach strategies for AFT on behalf of the National Communications division and leadership to meet national goals. This role coordinates the operations of AFT’s national event plan and facilitates brand alignment and promotion of events by working closely with internal stakeholders across National Communications, Development, Programs, and the Executive teams.  

The position also directly contributes to AFT’s success by supporting AFT’s retail operations, where they provide day-to-day management of the AFT Store. This support includes monitoring and tracking orders, inventory and merchandising for promotion. They are responsible for superior customer service and will help the Director of Marketing to drive brand awareness and revenue through retail strategies. 

 

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Monitor AFT events calendar and plan support functions with teams. 
• Research public outreach opportunities that raise the profile of the brand. 
• Represent AFT at external events, public meetings, conferences, workshops, and trainings.  
• Maintain internal AFT calendar of events and coordinate event support inquiries from AFT staff; monitor and improve processes and policies for events function. 
• Contribute to fundraising, supporter conversion, and other key marketing campaigns. 
• Operate AFT’s Shopify store and manage customer service, inventory and merchandising. 
• Help drive traffic, sales and new product development for AFT store. 
• Create high-quality outreach and marketing content for teams and leadership. 
• Develop new, compelling events and outreach tools and programming that is responsive to organizational needs. 
• Monitor eCommerce assets and performance; develop strategies to re-market customers.  
• Own customer experience and leverage tools like chat and email to service inquiries; respond promptly and escalate issues to supervisors. 
• Document and report AFT store metrics on monthly basis and help prepare sales tax reports. 
• Record team and division activities and meetings, monitor progress and report outcomes quarterly. 
• Coordinate events, including but not limited to: research, contracting, email marketing, list building, advertising, raffle promotions, creative, messaging, booth design, tabling operations, photo and video content, and post-event conversion activities. 
• Prospect and conduct lead development on special event projects, including thought leadership proposal writing, opportunity monitoring and evaluation, and reporting activities. 
• Work with event organizers to schedule and position AFT staff as speakers. 
• Help to cultivate strong brand affinity and relationships with supporters and agricultural, environmental, research, business, and community partner organizations. 

Qualifications

The position requires 2+ years of practical experience in communications, PR, marketing, or fundraising along with a desire to support farmland, agriculture, and conservation.

 

Additional qualifications include: 

• Willingness for regular travel (4-6x per year) to attend events around the country and to support dozens of smaller events throughout the year. 
• Merchandise, retail and/or eCommerce experience, especially using a Shopify-based store.  
• Strong verbal communication skillset with diverse stakeholder groups. 
• Experience developing and executing event plans, as well as managing event calendars. 
• Strong background in all tools of public outreach and demonstrated success integrating technology and a human touch.  
• Willingness to work during special event hours and periods to achieve outstanding results.  
• Background in agriculture, retail, conservation, or political campaigns.  
• Personal experience working directly with farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural and environmental stakeholders. 
• Highly responsible and dependable. 
• Ability to meet deadlines, multi-task, and be flexible.  
• A collaborative working style; proactive and entrepreneurial. 

 

Working Conditions:

This hybrid role is based out of American Farmland Trust’s headquarters in Washington, DC, with flexibility for remote work from a home office. The position requires regular travel, occasional weekend work, and meeting critical deadlines outside standard business hours.

• Some events will be held outdoors.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines.
   

Compensation

The salary range is from $60,000 to $65,000 for full-time employees, based upon experience.

 

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:

• Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 
• Medical & Prescription Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with 10% match after six months of employment
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 3.5 hours per pay period (13 “sick days” per year).
• Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year maximum.
• Holidays: AFT observes eleven fixed holidays during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.

 

Why you should apply:

• Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
• A diverse and inclusive work environment
• A cause and mission you can be proud of
• Competitive compensation & benefits
• Remote work opportunities
• Flexible scheduling

 
Timeline

Applications must answer screener questions and include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply Here. 

 

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.