Universitas 21 (U21) Sustainable Micro-internships

 We are excited to announce that applications are open for the Universitas 21 (U21) Sustainable Micro-internships. Every year, we nominate students to this one-of-a-kind two-week global internship opportunity (Nov 2026- Feb 2027), which is free, online, and open to UMD students of all disciplines and levels. 

View our webpage for more information and application details. 

Apply by Sunday, October 18th, 2026.

There is a limited number of spaces open. We encourage you to submit your application today! 

Features of the Program 

• Leading Change micro-credential

• Collaboration with peers across the U21 global network

• Access to an international organization committed to advancing the US SDGs 

• A dedicated UMD coach to support your success in the program 

• Kick off and Wrap up event with the 2026-2027 cohort 

• & so much more! 

Contact info-gli@umd.edu with questions! 

Center for Community Engagement Student job Opportunity

 The Center for Community Engagement is hiring a student to serve as a Community Engagement Assistant with local food banks and food pantries.  The assistant’s role is to help grow UMD student involvement at these sites, through volunteer recruitment, volunteer management and by connecting with faculty to build community engagement into coursework. 

Students must be eligible for Federal Work Study. To apply, go to this page in Workday and search JR104887 (Community Engagement Assistant, Center for Community Engagement). 

Questions before you apply? Reach out to Amy Caballero, who's coordinating the program: amycab@umd.edu

Full-Time Winter Season Farmer, Willowsford Farm - Ashburn, VA

 Willowsford Farm, part of the Willowsford Conservancy, is seeking a full-time Seasonal Farmer to join our team for the winter season. This is a seasonal position, with employment most likely ending in December, depending on weather and operational needs. There is potential for this position to transition to a permanent, full-time role based on the Conservancy’s staffing needs and the successful candidate’s performance and fit. Reporting to the Farm Director, the Seasonal Farmer works closely with the Farm Director and other farm staff to carry out the Farm's day-to-day production activities. Working as part of a team, the Seasonal Farmer helps ensure the timely production of high-quality organic produce and pasture-raised eggs.

This hands-on position supports all aspects of field production, including planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, washing, packing, and distribution. The Seasonal Farmer also supports the Farm's CSA program, seasonal farm stands, volunteer activities, and Food Access Initiative. The successful candidate embraces the Conservancy's mission and supports the Farm's commitment to community engagement, education, and food access while producing exceptional food for CSA members, farm stand customers, and charitable partners.

About Willowsford Conservancy &Farm
Willowsford Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to land stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and connecting people with nature and farming through education and community engagement. The Conservancy manages more than 2,600 acres of permanently protected open space in Loudoun County, Virginia, including approximately 300 acres of agricultural land and more than 2,300 acres of woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and trails. At the heart of the agricultural program is Willowsford Farm, a 14-acre working farm that grows more than 100 varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, along with raising over 400 laying hens. The Farm operates a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, two seasonal farm stands, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and a growing Food Access Initiative that donates thousands of pounds of fresh produce annually to local hunger-relief organizations. As the only agrihood in the Washington, DC region, Willowsford Farm offers the unique opportunity to grow organic produce while supporting a CSA program, seasonal farm stands, community volunteers, and a growing Food Access Initiative that provides fresh, locally grown food to local hunger relief organizations.

Visit https://willowsfordconservancy.org/willowsford-farm/ to learn more.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications
 At least one year of hands-on experience growing vegetables, preferably on a diversified vegetable farm.
 Strong work ethic and a positive, collaborative approach to working with others.
 Able to work independently while taking direction and constructive feedback.
 Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
 Experience with all stages of crop production, from propagation through harvest and post-harvest handling.
 Willingness to learn how to safely operate common farm equipment.
 Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
 Ability to comfortably lift at least 50 pounds and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
 Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications
 Experience safely operating tractors, lawn mowers, and common farm equipment (tillage equipment, cultivation equipment, mowers, and other powered equipment).
 Experience supporting a CSA program.
 Experience caring for laying hens or other livestock.
 Experience working with volunteers or the public.

Key Responsibilities
 Carry out daily field work, including seeding, planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest and disease management, harvesting, washing, packing, and post-harvest handling.
 Harvest and prepare produce for CSA members, seasonal farm stands, and food access partners.
 Support the care of pasture-raised laying hens, including feeding, egg collection, and coop maintenance.
 Operate and help maintain farm equipment, tools, buildings, and infrastructure.
 Help maintain accurate production, organic certification, and food safety records.
 Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
 Participate in engagement activities, such as working with volunteers or giving farm tours.
 Serve as a backup delivery driver as needed.
 Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
This position predominantly works in the field in all weather conditions throughout the growing season and requires heavy lifting and physical exertion, driving and walking on uneven terrain, operating equipment, and working for extended periods in rugged outdoor conditions.

Occasional evening or extended hours may be required during peak production periods.

Compensation
This is a seasonal, hourly position paying $23-$26 per hour. Compensation is based on experience.

How to Apply
Please submit a resume, brief cover letter outlining why you are interested in the position, and salary requirements to kschreiber@willowsfordconservancy.org (with subject line ATTN: Seasonal Farmer Position). Selected candidates will need to successfully complete a pre-employment background check and provide references. No housing is provided.

Save the Date! 2027 Precision Agriculture Technology Conference

 Please save the date for the 2027 Precision Agriculture Technology Conference on Thursday, February 25, 2027, at the Crowne Plaza in Annapolis, Maryland.

This year’s theme, Plowing Through the Hype: What Happens When AgTech Meets the Field?, will focus on the practical applications and profitability of agricultural technology. Topics include artificial intelligence, robotic weed management, drones for nutrient management and prescription mapping, and the economics of adopting these tools.

The save-the-date flyer is attached. Please share it with anyone you believe would be interested in attending. We will share additional program details and registration information soon.

Preview attachment 2027 PATC Save the Date and Sponsorships.pdfPreview attachment 2027 PATC Save the Date and Sponsorships.pdf

2027 PATC Save the Date and Sponsorships.pdf

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Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab

Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab is a two-day, hands-on leadership program created specifically to advance the skills of emerging professionals in the food industry. It takes place November 5-6, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky, and is especially well suited for master's level students who are already working in food production or manufacturing and looking to grow within their companies.

 

Rather than a traditional conference, Cultivate is built around interactive workshops, real-world problem solving, and peer connection. A few highlights your students may find especially compelling:

 

• You get a free DiSC assessment which you’ll use throughout the journey to learn about your leadership style and how to lead others
• We’re taking a field trip on Friday to Toyota Motor Manufacturing – the largest vehicle manufacturing plant in the world known for automation, benchmarking operational excellence and teamwork
• There’s a fun reception planned at RD1 Distillery on Thursday evening, including samplings of experimental barrels and a meet and greet with their Master Distiller, Dr. Gollihue

Students can learn more and register at fpsa.org/cultivate. The registration deadline is October 30.

Farm Credit Scholarship

The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is accepting applications for its 2027 scholarship program, continuing its commitment to supporting students who are pursuing careers in agriculture. The Foundation will award at least $350,000 in scholarships this year, with individual awards valued at up to $10,000.

This scholarship program reflects the Foundation's commitment to helping students pursue educational opportunities that strengthen the future of agriculture. Scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a clear dedication to careers that serve the agricultural industry.

“Investing in students today helps strengthen the future of agriculture for generations to come,” said Monica Hepler, Chair of the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement's Board of Directors. “These scholarships help students take the next step toward achieving their educational and career goals. We are honored to support aspiring agricultural professionals as they pursue careers that will make a meaningful difference throughout our industry and rural communities.”

The scholarship program is open to high school seniors as well as students currently enrolled in two- or four-year colleges, universities, and technical or trade schools. Applicants must live within Horizon Farm Credit's 100-county territory or Washington, D.C., and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in agriculture.

Applications accepted through January 8th, 2027

Scholarships awarded in April 2027

The Future of Agriculture Depends on you. fcfoundationforag.org

Philadelphia Cricket Club Internship

  We are currently seeking motivated turfgrass students interested in gaining hands-on experience with a large, high-end golf course operation.

Interns will work across three golf courses and a 20-acre practice facility, gaining exposure to multiple turfgrass systems, irrigation, construction, GPS sprayers, course preparation, and crew management. They will also work alongside a team of experienced superintendents and assistant superintendents.
The position offers:

• $18–$20/hour + overtime
• Housing provided
• Uniforms
• Tournament volunteer experience
• Golfing privileges

I’ve attached our 2027 Internship Profile with additional information. If you could share this opportunity with your turfgrass students, we would greatly appreciate it.

Interested students can send their resume directly to me at wreece@philacricket.com.

Golf Course Maintenance Internship

About the Internship

Berkeley Hall Club is a private, member-owned club on the Okatie River in Bluffton, South Carolina,

featuring two Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole courses and a 33-acre Golf Practice and Learning Center

recognized as one of the top practice facilities in the country.

Interns work alongside our superintendents, assistant superintendents, and management team, and rotate

through as many parts of the operation as possible rather than doing the same job every day. Whether

your goal is to become an Assistant Superintendent, a Golf Course Superintendent, or to keep building

experience in the turf industry, you will leave with valuable hands-on experience and a clear understanding of what it takes to produce championship-level conditions.

What You'll Learn

Warm-Season Turfgrass Experience

Work with three different ultradwarf bermudagrass greens varieties: Champion, TifEagle, and Tif3D, and learn how management is adjusted for each. You will also manage Tahoma 31 bermudagrass fairways on the North Course and overseeded Celebration bermudagrass on the South Course. Interns here in the fall may also take part in overseeding, from preparation and seeding through establishment.

Renovation, Projects & Aeration

Take part in renovation and course improvement projects, which may include bunker, drainage, irrigation, and turf renovation work, from planning and layout through grassing and grow-in. You will also learn a variety of aeration techniques and how and when each is used to manage organic matter, improve drainage, and keep surfaces healthy.

Applications & Technology

• GPS Sprayers & John Deere Operations Center – Operate and calibrate GPS sprayers, create spray

boundaries, and plan, track, and record applications.

• Applications & Calibration – Pesticide, fertilizer, wetting-agent, and foliar applications, plus

calibration of boom sprayers, walking sprayers, and spreaders.

• Kress Autonomous Mowers – Map mowing zones, build schedules, monitor performance, and

troubleshoot.

Turf Performance & Water Management

• USGA GS3 & Moisture Meter – Measure green firmness, smoothness, trueness, and ball roll, and use

moisture readings to guide hand watering.

• Water Management – Daily moisture targets, irrigation cycles, and how weather affects turf water

needs.

• Pest, Weed & Disease Identification – Identify common problems and see how treatment plans are

developed.

• Data & Record Keeping – Track moisture, weather, clipping yields, and applications used in daily

decisions.

Course Care & Operations

• Course Setup & Mowing – Hole locations, tee setup, bunker prep, detail work, and proper mowing of

all turf areas.

• Cultural Practices – Verticutting, topdressing, grooming, rolling, and cultivation.

• Irrigation – Troubleshooting, head adjustment, nozzle selection, coverage evaluation, and repair.

• Equipment – Reel setup, height-of-cut adjustments, and preventative maintenance with our equipment team.

• Tournament Preparation – How practices, staffing, and setup change for tournaments and major events.

Planning & Leadership

• Agronomic Planning – How weather, turf health, labor, budgets, and events shape daily and long-

term decisions.

• Leadership & Crew Management – Morning job assignments, scheduling, communication, and

quality-control checks.

• Professional Development – Time with our superintendents, assistants, and Equipment Manager to

learn about career paths.

Compensation & Benefits

• $20 per hour, plus overtime

• Housing, meals, uniforms, and golf privileges provided

• Chance to travel and work a professional tournament for a week

• Opportunity for career advancement at Berkeley Hall

What We're Looking For

Golf course experience is preferred but not required. We want someone who is willing to learn, works hard, asks questions, and wants to be part of a team.

• Genuine interest in a turfgrass management career

• Dependable, motivated, and detail-oriented, with pride in the finished product

• Positive attitude and works well with others in a fast-paced environment

• Willing to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays

How to Apply

Email,call, or text Adam Miller, Director of Agronomy cell- 804-543-5577, amiller@berkeleyhallclub.com

Nature Positive UMD iNaturalist Event

We are launching a Nature Positive UMD iNaturalist event to encourage our campus community to get outside, find and connect with nature, and help the Nature Positive UMD initiative collect biodiversity data across campus. 

 These observations will help us build a biodiversity baseline for our campus and support long-term biodiversity monitoring. 

 Please see the attached flyer for more information, and help us spread the word. Thanks!