Internships @ Community Ecology Institute
Our programs are rooted at Freetown Farm in Columbia, Green Farmacy Garden in Fulton, and natural spaces in our community. In the fall of 2020, CEI launched what is now known as our Green SEEDS (Service, Experiential Education, & Design for Sustainability) student internship program. The program mission is to provide experiential education and work experience for high-school, college, and graduate students across a range of social and ecological themes. The goals of the internship program are to:The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Summer Internship Program. This program is specifically tailored for passionate college students pursuing degrees in agriculture, agricultural business, environmental science, and related fields.
This immersive, 11-week paid internship offers a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in agricultural service operations while directly contributing to a thriving regional food system. Interns will transition from classroom learning to real-world application by engaging in program development, budget management, industry networking, and resource utilization—all while supporting SMADC’s core mission to assist farmers, producers, and consumers across Southern Maryland.
Key Program Goals & Intern Experience
Interns will participate in a comprehensive orientation before delving into program exposure, budgeting exercises, and industry networking. Each intern will develop a dedicated project related to SMADC's initiatives under the mentorship of SMADC staff. The program aims to:
Internship Details
Duration: 11 weeks (June 1, 2026 – August 14, 2026)
Compensation: $20/hour (Full-time, not to exceed 40 hours per week)
Location: SMADC Offices, 15045 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville, MD
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a relevant degree program and demonstrate a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and regional food systems. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, along with a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Application Timeline
Application Window: March 18 – April 8, 2026
Virtual Interviews (via TEAMS): April 13 and April 20, 2026 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Notification of Acceptance: May 1, 2026
Interested applicants can learn more about the SMADC Summer Internship Program Here and apply by filling out the form Here.
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Calling all students (UMD undergraduates and graduate students)!
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 to increase food access. 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.
This three-day data competition is April 10–13, 2026, with the winning team receiving a $2,000 cash prize. The competition weekend includes in-person work space available at UMD or can be done completely virtually.
Use this University of Maryland student interest form link to register.
This challenge is hosted by a UMD team receiving NSF funding to develop NourishNet. The NourishNet team is building 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.
To learn more about the challenge, you can watch the webinar recording linked here.
The challenge will be hosted on the NDP platform, and the introductory modules are now available to help you get familiar with the data bases and platform environment before the competition begins. For platform access, login guidance, and additional details on getting started, please refer to the attached PDF.
We encourage you to sign up and take part in this exciting opportunity to apply your skills to a real-world problem.
For any queries, contact Radha: radha@umd.edu
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Student Opportunity: USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Webinar Series + Internship Program
Are you interested in careers in animal health, veterinary services, or working with the federal government? The USDA APHIS Veterinary Services team is hosting a three-part virtual webinar series to help you explore opportunities and prepare for the upcoming Saul T. Wilson Jr. Internship Program.
Through this series, you will:
Webinar Schedule:
Additional information about the internship program can be found here: https://www.aphis.usda.
Paid Student Intern
University of Maryland
Department of Entomology
The University of Maryland Department of Entomology Applied Ecology laboratory is seeking a motivated undergraduate with an interest in Conservation Biological Control, Ecological Farming, Pollinator Conservation and helping food insecure communities to join the laboratory for a summer paid internship position. Research prospects will include using cover crops and flowering plants to increase beneficial arthropods, augment pollinator abundance and diversity, and reduce insect and weed pests in vegetable systems (e.g., tomato, zucchini, pumpkin) among other projects. The internship will involve research at multiple study sites. Work will consist of research plot maintenance, weeding, arthropod and plant surveys, produce harvesting and donating fresh produce to organizations that help feed food insecure individuals. A small percentage of the produce may also go to the University of Maryland dining facilities.
A desire to work as part of a team and help the less fortunate are vital. Dedication to research excellence and strong tolerance of field work is also essential as the job entails attention to scientific protocols and outside physical activities during the summer months. Ideal candidates will have some interest in field research, the great outdoors and possess a valid driver license. If you are interested in this opportunity and obtaining additional information, please send an email that is addressed to all of the following: Cerruti Hooks, Veronica Yurchak and Matt Dimock at crrhooks@umd.edu, vjohnso4@umd.edu and mdimock@umd.edu.
Looking for a flexible one-credit asynchronous course this summer? Try out either IDEA 201 or IDEA311!
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Baltimore Ravens are hiring a highly motivated summer groundskeeper to assist with the day-to-day maintenance of the fields and grounds at the Under Armour Performance Center. This role will also support the Fields and Grounds crew, when needed, at the Ravens home field at M&T Bank Stadium.
For more information, click here!
Terps Under 30
Tuesday, April 7th | 5:30-8:00 PM
Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center
7801 Alumni Drive, College Park, MD 20742
Join the University of Maryland Alumni Association and the Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC) for Terps Under 30, a panel-style event featuring 3 successful young alums from varying backgrounds. Catered food and beverages will be provided, including an exclusive mocktail option, and attendees will have the opportunity to network with the students and alums afterwards. All majors are welcome.
School Garden Network of Sonoma County, California is seeking energetic, creative, and compassionate lead and assistant camp educators to join our 2026 Garden Camp team! Interviews will begin March 23 and will be held until all positions are filled. These positions are seasonal, running from mid-June to mid-August.
The American Feed Industry Association is now hiring for a 2026 Communications Intern! The role is paid: https://www.afia.org/about-
If someone you know is interested in applying, please send the following materials to careers@afia.org:
Application deadline: April 1, 2026
Personal Property Management Intern
This position is with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Acquisition and Property Division, in Beltsville, Maryland. APD provides Administrative and Technical Support Services for Personal Property and Fleet Management throughout the United States. This internship will be primarily focused on orderly distribution of assets at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, through the transfer of federal assets, disposal of excess property, processing of paperwork and maintenance of property records and systems throughout the closure process.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Rachel Carson Council (RCC) Fellowship Program -Environmental Education and Advocacy
We are excited to be welcoming Jaysson Eicholtz, co-founder of Forge Biologics to our department to hear about his career journey and company. He will be visiting us March 31st, at 2-2:50pm in ANS 0402. Please fill out this form to let us know if you are able to join us by March 26th, 2026, so that we can find a larger room if necessary.
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 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.
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
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:
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 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.
