AGNR Mentorship Program

The AGNR Alumni Network kicks off their first mentor program for current College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Students and Alumni! The goal of this program is to strengthen the relationship between alumni and students while supporting personal, academic, and professional growth. By participating in this 4 week program you will:

• Build meaningful relationships

• Receive personalized guidance on career exploration, and professional development

• Network with a diverse community from various industries 

Whether you’re a student seeking direction or an alum hoping to give back, your involvement will help create a supportive and dynamic college community.  There are four activities for each mentor/mentee pair:

1) Coffee meet up, can be virtual or in-person, to introduce yourselves, get acquainted and determine what questions the mentee might have.

2) Resume exchange- this activity will allow the students to learn what a professional resume can look like and provide an opportunity for the mentor to give thoughts on polishing the mentee's resume

3) Practice interviews and elevator pitches

4) Career exploration conversation 

The AGNR Alumni Network is hosting a mentor/mentee celebration at the AGNR Student Discovery and Innovation Night on April 9th at the Riggs Alumni Center.

Fore more information, click here!

FoodCorps California - 3/30

FoodCorps is an excellent opportunity for a one-year, paid position with benefits - ideal for a new or recent graduate starting a career in the food system!

FoodCorps California is seeking our next class of FoodCorps Members for the 2026-2027 school year (August 3, 2026 - July 2, 2027). Members support district leadership by engaging elementary school students in food education, garden-based lessons, and nourishing cafeteria projects.

These roles provide valuable exposure to career fields like food systems, public health, nutrition, agriculture, nonprofit management, and education. 

Why join FoodCorps California?

• $23.38/ Hour, up to $40,000 throughout term

• Organization-Sponsored Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

• PTO

• 401K

Applications are due by March 30, 2026

We are currently filing positions with the following partners:

• Oakland Unified School District (Food Educators and School Nutrition Members)

• San Francisco Unified School District (School Nutrition only)

Learn more and apply at foodcorps.org/apply.

Virginia Association of Biological Farming Outreach and Education Coordinator

 

We are looking for an Outreach and Education Coordinator to join our team at VABF. This position will be the person on the ground for events and workshops, as well as keeping relationships with partners throughout the state.

If you or someone you know is interested, please visit our website. Email Becki at becki.derusseau@vabf.org with your cover letter and resume to apply!

Food Security Innovation Student Data Challenge - 4/9

University of Maryland is part of the Food Security Innovation Student Data Challenge - a national competition focused on reducing food insecurity and using predictive modeling for agricultural resiliency. Students will work in teams of 3-5 and use databases and AI innovations to tackle problems in food access, nutrition, and agricultural food systems. The work is within the Track 1 competition and will include competing in a three-day data competition on creating predictive modeling for nutrition, food security, and agriculture resiliency. There will be opportunities to connect with industry and win the $2,000 cash prize given to the winning team.

 

Key dates:

• Info webinar: March 9 at 5pm
• Competition weekend: April 10–13, 2026 (in-person opportunities at UMD and/or virtual)

Use this link to fill out our University of Maryland student interest form. Teams and individuals should use this link to register for the March 9 webinar (5pm) and learn more about the competition. The webinar will be recorded and circulated for those unable to join. 

 

This challenge is hosted by National Food Security Innovation Hub (NAFSI) through a NSF grant with our UMD-funded NourishNet team. NourishNet builds tools, such as FoodLoops, to recover and redistribute surplus food, helps reduce food waste through community/campus partnerships, and develops tech (like Quantum Nose – a food spoilage detection sensor) to ensure recovered food is fresh. 

 

The University of Maryland contact for the student data challenge is Radha Subramanian radha@umd.edu. Please feel free to reach out to Radha with questions or to coordinate team formation. Please note that students outside of University of Maryland are eligible to compete on a UMD-led team or their own team, as long as they are a full-time University student.

Please circulate the flyer widely. We are excited to support and work with the students teams on this real-world data challenge to impact food system resiliency.

🚛🍎🧑‍🌾 Food Hub Operations Associate - Hyattsville

Food Hub Operations Associates are responsible for supporting the operations of the Food Hub by fulfilling deliveries to program partners in the organization’s vehicles, assisting with all at-market operations of the Food Hub, and managing the equipment used by the Food Hub.

Successful candidates will have 1 year of relevant work experience in operations/logistics or delivery, be creative and flexible problem solvers, and are not afraid to work outdoors and get down and dirty with the local food system. Currently we are seeking 4 Associates interested in working for the 2026 Main Season. The ideal candidate will be seeking 25+ hours per week. This position has variable hours that can range from 10-30 hours / week depending on candidate interest/availability and customer demand.

 Spread the Word 

Please help us spread the word about this opportunity! This job, and all of our other openings, are up on the FRESHFARM employment page. 

Birthing Center Opportunity at the MD State Fair - 3/24

Animal Science Undergraduate and IAA Students,

Once again, we’ve been invited to operate the Maryland State Fair Birthing
Center.  This is a great opportunity for those of you interested in getting real,
hands-on farm animal experience and are interested in a career in animal
management, are applying to veterinary school, are going to graduate school
or are just interested in sharing your love and knowledge of farm animals
with the public. Six students will be hired (yes, you will be paid!) and
trained by me and Dr. Rachael Quinn in the care of sows, dairy cows and
their offspring before, during and after parturition (also hatching chicks!).
These educational and enjoyable tasks will be carried out at the Maryland
State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Fall classes at UMCP will start on August
31 and run through the end of the fair, but we’ll make sure you get time off
to attend classes.
This year the fair will again follow its “three weekend” schedule. It will
start on Thursday evening, August 27, at 5pm (but we we’ll start on
Wednesday afternoon, the 26 th , that first week) then run all day Friday,
Saturday and Sunday, then be closed the following Monday through
Wednesday. It will open again on Thursday, September 3 at 5pm and be
open Friday through Labor Day Monday night. It will then be closed
Tuesday and Wednesday before reopening on Thursday evening,
September10 at 5pm and be open the following Friday, Saturday and
Sunday, for a total of 12.5 days. Note that the fair starts the week before
UMD classes do.
Our group is formally known as the "University of Maryland Agricultural
Fair Team" and we are easily recognized by our bright red coveralls. The
Fair will provide housing for us at a nearby hotel and provides many of our
meals through State Fair vendors. You will work long hours and be totally
exhausted by the time the fair ends, but you will have had the experience of
a lifetime!
If you are interested in working with us and can commit to the 12.5 days
at the fair and a training day in late May or June (date to be determined
based on our schedules), apply by replying to this email by COB,
Tuesday, March 24. I will review the applications and those selected for
interview will be contacted to schedule their interview, which will be in
my Campus office in April. With your reply, send a resume containing
relevant information for this job and a transcript (unofficial is ok) of your
college work. Note: You must, at a minimum, have already completed
ANSC 101 and ANSC 103, earned a B- or better in both of those classes
and have a CGPA of 2.5 or better through the Fall 2025 semester. You
must also be enrolled as an ANSC undergraduate or IAA student
through the Fall 2026 semester to participate. Make sure your resume
lists and describes all your animal experience. Finally, make sure your
resume includes any experience you may have had in public speaking. All
this correspondence may be done by email ( tgh@umd.edu ). If you prefer
to send hard copy, my snailmail address is 25518 Burnt Hill Rd.,
Clarksburg, MD 20871.
Based on your transcripts and resumes, I will narrow the number of
candidates down to 10 or fewer finalists. I will then ask each of those
finalists to set up an interview time (I will accommodate your class, study
and exam schedules) in April. Each finalist will give a 1-2 minute
presentation that will simulate a talk that would be given to a group of lay
people (who have no farm background or experience) who are being taken
on a tour through a barn at the fair. You will get to choose which one farm
animal species (beef cattle, horses, dairy cattle, broiler chickens, laying hens,
sheep, meat goats, dairy goats, pigs or rabbits) you will tell them about. And
I will ask you questions, just like the folks you are “talking to” would. The
interviews will take about 15-20 minutes.
I would prefer that you be fully vaccinated for COVID 19 and the seasonal
flu but I won’t require it. I’m an old guy with multiple underlying health
conditions who would not fare well if I caught COVID or the seasonal flu. I
also have enough experience with animal vaccines (our domestic animals
thrive because of herd immunity!) to know that not every vaccination
“takes” and that you or I could remain vulnerable, even after being fully
vaccinated. Many of our Birthing Center tasks will require that we be in
close contact with each other and hundreds of members of the general
public, so there is no way that we can maintain social distance. The
emergence of new variants, new surges or the emergence of new viruses
may change vaccination needs or requirements.
I look forward to seeing your applications, meeting you and working with 6
of you at the Maryland State Fair Birthing Center, the ultimate reality show.

Tom Hartsock, Ph. D., Associate Professor Emeritus, Animal and Avian
Sciences, and former Director of the Institute of Applied Agriculture.

Make an Impact: Restore Watersheds, Protect Streams, and Shape a Sustainable Future! - 3/31

Who We Are

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in Montgomery County, MD is a nationally recognized and award-winning agency with the mission to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting and improving Montgomery County's air, water, and land in a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and industry-leading way while fostering smart growth, a thriving more sustainable economy and healthy communities. DEP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. DEP encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

Program Overview

Montgomery County’s Watershed Restoration Division is seeking motivated and environmentally passionate students for its Summer 2026 Internship Program. This internship, running approximately between June 1 and August 31, offers hands-on experience in watershed management, stormwater programs, GIS mapping, and community outreach. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects that protect local streams, improve water quality, and support sustainable practices across the County. With flexible hours (20–32 per week) and exposure to professionals in engineering, biology, and environmental planning, this internship provides a unique chance to develop technical skills, gain practical experience, and make a meaningful impact on the environment.

• Duration: Internship runs approximately 7-10 weeks between June 1 and August 31, 2026
• Hours: 20-32 hours per week, schedule set during onboarding
• Location: 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD
• Compensation: $18.15 per hour
• Eligibility: Open to current college or graduate students; Montgomery County residents preferred

How to Apply

Please submit:

• An unofficial college transcript, resume or equivalent document detailing work or volunteer experience.
• Include a personal statement (minimum one page) outlining project interests, career goals, and how this internship supports those goals.
• Important: In your personal statement, please indicate your top 2 project tracks (e.g., Outreach, GIS for Tree Montgomery, GIS for RainScapes) and explain why you are interested in them.

All applications should be sent to AskDEP@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026.

Available Tracks & Projects

Outreach Internship (Track 1)

The Outreach Track offers an intern the opportunity to develop and implement creative communication strategies that engage Montgomery County residents in stormwater management and watershed protection. Interns will research and write content for the stormwater maintenance newsletter and social media platforms, assist with outreach to homeowner associations, and support the launch of new programs such as the Septic Pump-Out Rebate Program. Additional projects may include designing interactive educational tools or games to connect communities with local streams and aquatic life. This track is ideal for students interested in environmental education, communications, and public engagement, combining creativity with real-world experience in outreach and program development.

GIS Data Support for Tree Montgomery Program (Track 2)

This internship will support Montgomery County’s Tree Montgomery and Stormwater MS4 programs by improving the accuracy of geospatial data. The intern will review existing records and adjust mapped locations of newly planted trees to match actual ground conditions using aerial imagery. Tools such as Field Maps, EagleView CONNECTExplorer, and ortho images will be utilized to ensure spatial data integrity. Working independently with guidance from DEP staff, the intern will gain practical skills in GIS-based mapping, spatial data accuracy, and image interpretation. Ideal candidates should have an interest in environmental planning and GIS, strong attention to detail, familiarity with ESRI tools and mapping concepts, and the ability to follow technical instructions while managing tasks independently.

GIS Data Support for RainScapes Program (Track 3)

This internship provides hands-on experience supporting Montgomery County's RainScapes program by addressing a backlog of projects that require GIS delineations. The intern will review existing project PDFs and digitally transfer spatial data—including project area, impervious area, and drainage area polygons—into the RainScapes Field Maps layer. Working independently with guidance from DEP staff, the intern will gain practical skills in GIS-based mapping, spatial data accuracy, and stormwater program implementation. Ideal candidates should have an interest in environmental planning and GIS, strong attention to detail, familiarity with ESRI tools and mapping concepts, comfort working with PDFs and digital files, and the ability to follow technical instructions while managing tasks independently.

Additional Opportunities

Interns may support various teams within the Watershed Restoration Division based on their interests and academic background. Activities may include data analysis, pollution source tracking, reviewing plans, assisting with customer service, and participating in community outreach events. Interns can also contribute to communications by drafting blog posts, social media content, and outreach materials, as well as learning and applying GIS skills. Additionally, interns will have the chance to shadow professionals in the office and in the field — such as engineers, biologists, and environmental planners — to gain exposure to tree planting, stormwater inspections, stream restoration, and biological monitoring in streams. These additional tasks provide technical, analytical, and outreach experiences that advance Montgomery County's environmental goals.

Gen Z Food and Hunger Summit - This July in DC! - 4/30

 Gen Z Food and Hunger Summit - This July in DC!

Those most affected by hunger and poverty should be at the center of finding solutions—and in the U.S., no generation of adults is more likely to be affected by food insecurity than Gen Z.

The Global Food Institute is proud to partner with the Congressional Hunger Center and Food Systems Collaborative to host the 4th Gen Z Food & Hunger Summit on July 14-15, 2026.

We invite students to apply to participate in this Summit for an in-depth, insider’s look at the current food insecurity landscape and to connect with your lawmakers to share your experiences and perspectives.

Learn more about this impactful summit and apply to be an ambassador here!
Application deadline is April 30.

Food Policy Pathways: Careers in Food & Agriculture Policy Event - 3/27

Food Policy Pathways: Careers in Food & Agriculture Policy

April 7, 2026, 6:30-8pm
GW’s City View Room (Elliott School of International Affairs, 1957 E Street NW, 7th Floor)

Seeking a career with passion and purpose?
Come learn about working in food policy with Food Policy Pathways!

On Tuesday, April 7th, join us at the George Washington University for a student and alumni event exploring career pathways in food and agriculture policy.

Hosted by the Global Food Institute, Food Policy Pathways, and partners across the George Washington University, this event will feature a panel of changemakers working at the city and federal levels in Washington, DC, who are shaping the future of food systems through public service. Learn about job opportunities in food policy, gain access to FREE career preparation resources and mentorship with experienced policy leaders, and connect with professionals and fellow students over a post-event reception. Dinner will be provided!

Learn more and RSVP here by Friday, March 27.

Don’t miss this exciting chance to discover your path in food policy.

Summer Research Internships with MAES

 The Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) is seeking applications from undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on experience in sustainable agricultural production and agricultural research management through a 10-week internship. Students will be located at one of the eight Research and Education Centers (RECs) across the state and will work directly with the REC farm crews to learn firsthand about sustainable food (vegetables, row crops, milk, and meat) production and current research aimed at improving environmental stewardship. Student interns will be broadly involved in farming activities and work alongside our farm crews to help raise crops and tend to livestock. Students will also work with UMD faculty to engage in applied research projects and learn about sustainable practices such as nutrient management, food safety, animal welfare, integrated pest management, precision agriculture, soil and water conservation practices, etc., on real working farms. In addition to learning sustainability concepts, students will learn how to communicate their new knowledge through social media posts and a formal poster presentation following the conclusion of the internship. 

Several interns will be hired for this summer and we will make every effort to match students with the REC facility that matches their professional interests. Opportunities include: local vegetable production, agronomy and precision agriculture, dairy and beef production, turfgrass management, orchard and vineyards, research communication, and more. For best consideration, apply by Friday, March 20. 

Learn more and apply here

BRIDGE Internships with WWF are now open!

World Wildlife Fund Summer Internships

The 2026 hiring cycle for BRIDGE, the paid summer internship program for undergraduate and graduate students, has launched! We are seeking those who have never been exposed to the conservation and environmental sector. 

 

• We have 28 open positions, all will be posted on our Careers website early next week. Teams hiring span from Climate, Forests, Wildlife, Marketing and Communications, Information Technology, Policy and Government Affairs, and more!

 

• The internship program runs from June 1 through August 7, for 10 weeks. Both in-person and virtual options are available 

 

Interns will be provided a set of networking and professional development opportunities, including connections with early career staff and senior leaders.

 

We highly encourage UMD students to apply as soon as possible, positions will remain on our website for 2 weeks. There will be an application deadline listed on each job, we will not accept any late applications.

 

Please also note we have specific topics that students should address in their cover letters. The cover letter is a critical part of the application and should include answers to the following:

 

•            Their relevant skills and interest for the position

•            Their connection to nature and the environment 

•            How they could contribute to the field of conservation

 

Applicants who proceed to the interview stage should expect to be contacted by a member of our recruiting team between March 23 to April 3^rd for a one-time Zoom interview. Candidates who make it to the final round will need to submit one letter of recommendation and complete a background check.

Applications and more information here!

REC Trek: Wye Research and Education Center (Eastern Shore)

Join us for our inaugural "REC Trek" to the Wye Research and Education Center on Maryland's Eastern Shore -- an opportunity to get off campus and see AGNR research in action.

What is a REC Trek?

Think of it as a good old fashioned field trip for our Undergraduates to one of AGNR's Research and Education Centers (RECs) where you can learn about the center, why it matters, and learn about the research happening on site straight from our researchers! 

Transportation is provided at no cost, but space is limited. Register on Handshake at the link below. 

What kind of topics will this REC Trek cover?

The REC Trek to the WyeREC will give you an opportunity to learn about the history and purpose of this unique site and the scope of the research happening at the facility. You will have the opportunity to learn directly from a variety of researchers including specialists focusing on horticulture, water, wildlife, and even weeds.  

Our aim is show you things we can't easily bring to you on campus so expect a mix of demonstrations, seeing research in progress, and possibly a short presentation.

When is this happening?

Thursday, March 26th. Participants will meet at Symons Hall at 11:15am to load vans and hit the road. The Wye is a little over an hour from campus so we plan to arrive no later than 12:30. We will depart the Wye at 4pm to arrive back to campus between 5/5:30 pm. 

Excused absence letters will not be offered. Students with class conflicts should speak to their professors directly if they have questions. 

What else should I know?

Space is limited. Once the vans are full, any additional registrants will get added to a waitlist and be notified if a spot opens up. Due to the limited space and our expected high demands, we will be enforcing a "no show" policy. See the event information on Handshake for more details. 

Additionally, lunch will not be provided, so we recommend students either plan to eat before meeting the group at 11:15 am and/or packing a lunch. We will have some light snacks in the van, but feel free to bring your own food. 

Can't make it this time?

That's ok! If there's enough demand, we are hoping to continue this program at least once a year if not once a semester to feature the other AGNR RECs. 

In the meantime learn more about them at https://agnr.umd.edu/research/research-and-education-centers-locations/ and follow the research happening at them at https://www.instagram.com/umd_agnr_research

If you have further questions, please reach out to April Brohawn (abrohawn@umd.edu) or Casey Miller (caseymil@umd.edu). 

READY TO REGISTER? 

Click here to go to the registration page in Handshake

MAES Research Farm Internship

The Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) is seeking applications from undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on experience in sustainable agricultural production and agricultural research management through a 10-week internship. Students will be located at one of the eight Research and Education Centers (RECs) across the state and will work directly with the REC farm crews to learn firsthand about sustainable food (vegetables, row crops, milk, and meat) production and current research aimed at improving environmental stewardship. Student interns will be broadly involved in farming activities and work alongside our farm crews to help raise crops and tend to livestock. Students will also work with UMD faculty to engage in applied research projects and learn about sustainable practices such as nutrient management, food safety, animal welfare, integrated pest management, precision agriculture, soil and water conservation practices, etc., on real working farms. In addition to learning sustainability concepts, students will learn how to communicate their new knowledge through social media posts and a formal poster presentation following the conclusion of the internship. 

Several interns will be hired for this summer and we will make every effort to match students with the REC facility that matches their professional interests. Opportunities include: local vegetable production, agronomy and precision agriculture, dairy and beef production, turfgrass management, orchard and vineyards, research communication, and more. For best consideration, apply by Friday, March 20. 

For more information, click here.

Sustainability Career Panel

Date: Tuesday, March 10th, from 5 - 6:30 pm

Location: University Career Center - Resource Room (Located in Hornbake Library South)

Join the Office of Sustainability and the University Career Center for an engaging panel featuring UMD alumni working across diverse sustainability and environmental fields. Gain valuable insights into their career journeys, backgrounds, and current roles in areas such as policy, environmental compliance, and beekeeping. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from their experiences and explore potential career paths!

This year’s panelists are Menyae Christopher, a Policy Associate at Sol Systems; Kate Kopp, an Environmental Analyst at Potomac-Hudson Engineering, Inc.; and Maurice Richardson, the Founder of Diaspora Honey.

Food will be provided! This event is in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability, University Career Center, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Arts and Humanities, and the Alumni Association. Register for the event on Handshake!

Agricultural Worker II - Campus Farm

Job Description Summary

The Department of Animal and Avian Sciences (ANSC) at the University of Maryland, College Park, is seeking an individual to support the University of Maryland’s Campus Farm. Under the supervision of the Farm Manager, the Ag Worker performs manual activities in the care of all animals housed on the Campus Farm, maintains routine animal and equipment maintenance records, maintains and operates farm machinery and operates power tools, performs basic repairs to fences and barns, cleans and maintains barns, pastures and turnouts.

Physical Demands of the Position:
This position requires the ability to operate assigned tools; to lift a minimum of 50lb to shoulder height; to stretch, climb, and perform extensive standing and walking, bending and stooping; to wear and work in personal protective equipment; to work in extreme weather conditions, to work variable shifts. The position includes regular interaction and communication with a wide range of internal and external constituents, and the operation of standard office equipment in support of daily administrative and programmatic functions.