Undergrad Summer Internship Opportunity

The Harry R. Hughes will award a fellowship for an exceptional scholar or graduate student in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the summer of 2025.

The Center seeks to hire a student (primarily remote, but some travel) for the summer to accelerate the dissemination of Hughes Center-funded research. The selected student will work with faculty funded by the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology to develop news articles for The Conversation https://theconversation.com/us. The Conservation is a nonprofit, independent news organization that publishes University scholarly research to inform the public in diverse areas such as policy, science, health, economics, and agriculture.

The fellowship recipient will have the opportunity to learn about numerous research projects funded through the Hughes Center that have focused on conservation practices, the food system, crop production, public policy related to agriculture, and many other topics. The Hughes Center projects typically fall under the Ensure Healthy Watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay, Advance Innovative, Profitable, and Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems Strategic Initiatives. 

The student should be an undergraduate or graduate student with continuing enrollment in the fall. The internship will be ten weeks in duration, and 40 hours per week. The student will receive $19.91 per hour.

To apply send a CV and letter of interest to Dr. Kate Everts at keverts@umd.edu

The AGNR Academic Programs Office is Hiring!

 

The AGNR Academic Programs Office is hiring two new Peer Mentors for the 2024-2025 school year! We are currently accepting applications from undergraduate students majoring in Environmental Science & Policy (AGNR concentrations only), Agricultural Science & Technology, and/or Plant Sciences only* 

Check out our Peer Mentor Job Description for details & minimum qualifications! 

Curious about our current Peer Mentors? Get to know them HERE!

To apply, visit https://forms.gle/K2t1Mk49qJGwQxCbA. 

Preferred deadline: 11:59pm on September 8th

Final deadline: 11:59pm on September 12th

*Interested in becoming a Peer Mentor but you don't see your AGNR major listed in this ad? Don't fret! Several of our mentors will be graduating in May -- it breaks our hearts to see them go but that means more positions will be opening for the 2025-2026 school year. Be sure to keep an eye out for our next job post in the Spring!

Animal Handler for Shearer

Great opportunity for the right person to learn a lot about small ruminants and camelids and to see hundreds of farms; you will work hard and earn well.

Detailed job description and application form is here:
https://www.shroedershearing.com/shearing-assistant-application/

JOB TITLE: Animal handler and assistant to the shearer

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The assistant will work with large animals while they are
being sheared - primarily sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas, although
occasionally we clip horses and trim potbelly pig hooves and tusks.

WHEN: Temporary seasonal - begins approximately April 15. 2024 and runs
through end of July, 2024. Ordinarily 4-6 days a week during April and May,
and 3-4 days a week in June and July.  There are no specific days off
because every day and every week is different.

WHERE: Shearer is based out of Montgomery County, MD and day jobs will begin
from there.  There are also several 3-4 day trips out of state (primarily
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia).

PAY: Payment is made on a weekly basis and is based on a percentage of the
total gross for the week.  Every day is different, but on average, the pay
ordinarily ranges between $15 and $25/hour.  1099 will be issued at the end
of the fiscal year.

REQUIREMENTS:

A great love for animals
Good physical health and stamina
Ability to work long days
Excellent sense of humor
Authorized to work in the US
Has own vehicle (to meet up - all travel will be done in the shearer's
vehicle) and good driving record (will share the driving on the longer
trips)
Experience with large animals is preferred but not required
Non smoker
You must have your own health insurance
Be 18 or older

Arcadia Farm Manager

Announcement Updated 12/13/2023

Arcadia is looking for an experienced and dedicated Farm Manager (or Farm Couple) to join our full-time year round staff to lead our farm with vision and discipline to its next stage of development as a national center of excellence for veteran farmer training and a cornerstone of the local community.

The Farm Manager will have the opportunity to hire an assistant farm manager; a farm couple will fill both roles.

Arcadia’s Farm is the hub of a small but thriving and interconnected ecosystem where military veterans from across the country learn the skills needed to transition seamlessly into sustainable farming, applying their dedication and discipline to nourish both the land and their fellow citizens. Arcadia Farm is a place of education, innovation, and community building, and a campus for veterans and civilians to learn to grow food and farm businesses, and a campus for children to engage with agriculture and healthy food throughout their school years.

Compensation: This is a salaried position commensurate with experience, beginning in the $50ks with on-farm housing or a housing allowance as possible additional compensation. The position comes with unlimited paid time off (PTO), subsidized health insurance (Kaiser Permanente) and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on agriculture, veterans, and the regional food system.

Work Location: Arcadia Farm 9000 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309

View the Full Job Description HERE: https://t.ly/OFg35

Learn more about Arcadia HERE: http://www.arcadiafood.org/

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 references to info@arcadiafood.org. Please include "Farm Manager" in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled. 

Community Farm Specialist Position

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) conserves and restores the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.

About the Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows

The PEC Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows is located on a 141-acre PEC-owned property at Gilbert’s Corner in Loudoun County, Virginia (39990 Howsers Branch Dr. Aldie, VA 20105).

Launched in 2019, the Community Farm is a vegetable farm operation that grows produce for local food pantries, utilizing organic inputs and techniques. The farm consists of 3.5 acres of vegetable production and 1 acre of fruit trees and berries, producing tens of thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables annually. Engagement with volunteers, schools, and community organizations is a vital part of the farm, which not only provides opportunities for the public to engage with their local food system and give back, but also fosters lasting relationships with the community. Highly visible through its productivity, use of a volunteer workforce, and engagement with the community, the Community Farm promotes the importance of land stewardship, access to fresh foods, and mutual aid. Through the collaborative efforts of the Community Farm team, volunteers actively participate in local agriculture, local residents have access to farm tours and educational workshops, and families in need throughout Loudoun County benefit from increased access to fresh, healthy, locally-produced fruits and vegetables.

Your Role

PEC is seeking to hire a Community Farm Specialist to support operations at the Community Farm a Roundabout Meadows in Loudoun County, VA. The Community Farm Specialist will possess experience and knowledge of vegetable farming with an interest in working with a diverse community of volunteers and community members. The farm specialist must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively and proactively as a member of the farm team, with volunteers and visitors, as well as PEC staff. The Community Farm Specialist will have an integral role in the full farm operation, providing assistance to the Community Farm Coordinator in regard to all farm operations.

Typical activities include:

• Vegetable and fruit production to meet the needs of our local food pantries

• Operating a tractor using a variety of implements

• Mowing, bed preparation, seeding, planting, weeding, irrigating, harvesting and washing crops

• Organizing, educating, and working alongside diverse volunteers, teaching and speaking publicly about agriculture and the Community Farm program

• Assisting in the preparation and implementation of educational programming for field trips and workshops

• Grounds, equipment and building maintenance

• Assuring safety protocols and best management practices are met

• Assisting with broader property management tasks throughout the Roundabout Meadows and Gilberts Corner Farmers Market properties as assigned. Tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Soil sampling

• Trail maintenance

• Tree planting

• Fence maintenance

• Other duties as assigned

The Community Farm Specialist reports to PEC’s Gilberts Corner Farm and Land Manager but will also work closely with and be provided day-to-day supervision by the Community Farm Coordinator. In addition, the Community Farm Specialist will collaborate with other PEC staff, departments within PEC and members of the PEC Board of Directors.

This position will be based at PEC’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows (39990 Howsers Branch Dr. Aldie, VA 20105) with occasional travel to the headquarters office in Warrenton, VA.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum two years of vegetable farming experience

• Experience working with volunteers, school groups, and individuals of all ages and skill levels.

• Ability to organize, coordinate, and manage diverse activities and deadlines.

• Ability to make decisions and solve problems independently, effectively, and creatively with minimal supervision.

• Mission-minded with strong interest in conservation, sustainable agriculture, education, and community development.

• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability and desire to build relationships with a diverse constituency including local political officials, non-profit representatives, donors, neighborhood associations, businesses and individual citizens with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

• Demonstrated strong communication skills (written, oral and social-media focused) to develop written/photographic/video materials for use in communicating goals and stories.

• Familiarity with the operation and maintenance of small machinery, power tools, and hand tools.

• Familiarity with and ability to carry out maintenance of farm-related structures.

• Familiarity with computers and the use of online tools, such as the Google Suite, Microsoft Office, social media platforms, etc. 

• Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions, with limited facilities.

• Willing to work weekends and evenings as necessary.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Commitment to service and community and a willingness to participate in practices of

• justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI).

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of farming experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, or related field.

• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.

• Experience using tractors with a variety of implements.

Compensation

This position is a non-exempt / hourly position with benefits. Salary range of $22 to $26.44 per hour (equivalent to $45,000 – $55,000 annually), depending on qualifications.

Benefits

In addition to a salary, you will be eligible to participate in health, disability, term life insurance benefits and a 403(b) employee pension plan. Upon employment, you will be entitled to paid holidays and will begin accruing personal leave as designated in the PEC Employee Handbook.

PEC offers an outstanding and robust benefits package including:

• Two health plans offered, a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or a high-deductible Health Savings Account (HSA) plan 

• Dental and Vision insurance plans

• Short & Long Term Disability*

• Group Term Life*

• Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity insurances*

• HSA account (with employer match up to $750 per year)

• FSA accounts (health & dependent)

• 403(b) pension plan with employer contribution after 1 year of service with 100% vesting from day one

• 12 paid holidays

• PTO leave – 24 days per year, accrued each pay period

• 1 day per year of paid leave to volunteer at another non-profit or charitable cause

• Salary Continuation Leave for employee or family illness (including maternity and paternity) – from 2 to 8 weeks fully paid leave eligibility every 24 months, depending on length of service

• Paid Bereavement, Jury Duty and Military Service Training leave

• Travel Expense Reimbursement (including mileage)

• Hybrid work environment and Flexible Work Schedules

• Professional Development support

• Payment for relevant licenses & professional membership fees.

*Indicates that this insurance premium is 100% paid by PEC for employee coverage.

Application Process

Interested applicants should fill out our job application form. Resumé reviews begin immediately.

https://www.pecva.org/about/jobs-internships/community-farm-specialist/

Forester Planners at RC&D - So. MD and Eastern Shore

Two positions for Forester Planners have opened at Resource Conservation and Development. One position services the eastern shore while the other services Southern Maryland. For more information about the open opportunities, please click here.

Scenic Rivers Land Trust

Scenic Rivers Land Trust currently has an open opportunity for a paid internship. The internship would last from January 2024-June 2024 and sounds like it would be a great opportunity for a student interested in land conservation and/or GIS. Applications are due on December 10th. 

Internship Opening: Conservation Opportunity Researcher 

Join our small but energetic team to protect our forests, farms, meadows, and wetlands!

About Scenic Rivers Land Trust: Founded in 1988, Scenic Rivers Land Trust is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to protecting the forests, farms, meadows, shorelines, and wetlands of Anne Arundel County. To date,

Scenic Rivers has acquired 78 conservation easements, covering over 3,700 acres.

Scenic Rivers Land Trust seeks a temporary, part-time Conservation Opportunity Researcher to assess the fundability (via grant programs) and vulnerability (via zoning, structures, and current protections) of our Top 100 Most Important Properties to conserve in Anne Arundel County. These 100 properties span approximately 7,000 acres of ecologically important land. Candidates must be familiar with GIS and be detail and process oriented.

This position is office oriented, with a strong preference for presence in the physical office (located in Annapolis, MD), however this is a potentially hybrid-flexible position. This position reports to the executive director. The position is temporary and will last 515 hours (approximately 6 months).

Project Scope:

Our outreach and fundraising programs will be informed by your work. We seek to have detailed information regarding:

1. what conservation funding sources each property might qualify for,

2. how threatened is each property, and

3. if there are any existing protections in place that aren’t shown in GIS (title research required).

The research of property funding source qualification, property threat level, and current property protections will require the heavy use of GIS software, data tracking in Excel, and title chain research. At the end of the 515

hours, the following deliverables will be expected:

1) An excel spreadsheet detailing the following for each Top 100 Property:

a. Likely eligibility for approximately 12 specified conservation funding programs.

b. Number of existing structures (residential, accessory).

c. Potential development level by existing zoning.

2) For the 30 most fundable and threatened properties:

a. In the same excel spreadsheet, notation of any existing protections (easements, restrictions).

b. Title work documents (plats, easement deeds) organized in digital file folders for each property.

Timeline and Time Commitment:

Timeline: Preferred start in January 2024 to be completed by June 2024. Flexible.

Estimated Researcher Time Commitment: Approximately 515 hours (~21 hours per week for 6 months).

Position Qualifications:

- At least two years of college level courses

- Competent skill level in GIS (ESRI ArcPro or ArcMap 10)

o At least one college level class in GIS, preferably more

- Competent skill level in Excel

- Ability (or interest in learning) to discern plat notations

- Ability (or interest in learning) to research title

- Good work ethic and communications skills

- Ability to read grant requirements and evaluate properties accordingly

- Ability to compile data in a readable, usable format (likely in Excel)

- Interest in land conservation and helping inform our next conservation projects

Compensation Benefits:

- Hourly Compensation of $20 per hour (16-24+ hours per week);

To apply:

Please send cover letter and resume to Sarah Knebel, Executive Director, at Sarah@SRLT.org with “Application: Conservation Opportunity Researcher” in the subject line. Please include GIS experience, including GIS classes taken in your cover letter.

Opening announced: November 15, 2023

Application Deadline: December 10, 2023

Interviews: December 10, 2023 – Early January 2024

Start Date Range: January 2024 – February 2024

USA Jobs Opportunities

USDA has multiple vacancy announcements for internships and jobs for recent graduates – most announcements close soon. Here’s the link to USA Jobs.

For more assistance, you can contact Mr. Scott Moore

Scott W. Moore (he/him)

Liaison to the University of Maryland

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

301-851-4104

scott.w.moore@usda.gov

The Maryland Public Service Scholars Program

The Maryland Public Service Scholars Program has PAID summer 2024 Internship opportunities for you! Each year, Maryland’s best and brightest college students (of ALL majors) are selected for paid internships and leadership development opportunities to explore careers in government agencies and nonprofit organizations to make a difference in the lives of Marylanders. These fellowships provide students the opportunity to develop their skills, network, serve in the public service realm, and become better future leaders in Maryland’s public and social sectors.  INFORMATION SESSIONS This fall we have 5 information sessions scheduled for you to learn more about the MPSS program! Click HERE to register!  Priority Application Deadline is November 15th Final Application Deadline is March 1st Don’t wait till the last minute to apply. This is an opportunity for you to have a PAID summer experience where you develop your skills, network, serve in the public service realm, and become better future leaders in Maryland’s public and social sectors. Apply to the program to potentially become an MPSS Fellow and experience the amazing benefits this program has to offer!

Apply Today

Program Support Specialist

JOB OPENING

ACCEPTING RESUMES THROUGH DECEMBER 1st, 2023

POSITION TITLE: PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST

SALARY: $42,870 (BASED ON HOURLY RATE OF $20.61/HR)

POSITION TYPE: GRANT CONTRACT EMPLOYMENT *

LOCATION: ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, KENT COUNTY & WORCESTER COUNTY

START DATE: IMMEDIATELY

ABOUT US:

The Southern Maryland Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Board, Inc. is a nonprofit organization administering projects related to resource conservation, habitat restoration, forestry, agricultural preservation and wetland restoration. We were founded in 1971.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The RC&D has entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to create and fund a program support specialist position to assist NRCS employees in NRCS field offices across Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore. This position may also require some local travel to neighboring county offices. The successful applicant will be responsible for the entering of application and contract data for several NRCS Programs into agency specific software programs and to prepare software generated reports. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. We need people who want to apply their education and experience to make sure we all enjoy the benefits of productive soil, clean water, clean air, and abundant wildlife that come from a healthy environment. “Helping People Help the Land”.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides information to program applicants and participants, such as specific program and eligibility requirements; guidance on completion of required program application forms; and explanation of contract payment processes and requirements for program participation. Manages and processes conservation program applications. Analyzes problems with applications and takes corrective actions. Maintains contract documents in case files according to agency policy. Manages documents related to applications, contract implementation, status reviews, contract modifications, and cancellations or terminations. Provides administrative assistance on contract modifications as developed by the field office technical staff within the agency specific software. Assembles documentation required to process approved NRCS certified conservation payments. Provides quality assurance per agency policy and guidelines and processes payment applications within agency specific software. Assists with all assigned functions related to financial and program audits. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Southern Maryland RC&D Board, Inc. - 26737 Radio Station Way Suite D - Leonardtown, MD 20650

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates must be High School graduates with at least 1 year of experience working in an office environment. Knowledge of agricultural operations and federal and state conservation programs is advantageous. 

For this position, special experience is defined as experience providing the full range of administrative, financial assistance and technical support to internal and external stakeholders on conservation program activities, which included using automated systems to process applications, payments, and contract administration letters and documents. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Entrance on duty is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment security investigation. The position may be subject to a Public Trust background investigation at the time of appointment, and may be subject to reinvestigation every five years thereafter. A favorable adjudication of the clearance or background investigation at the time of appointment and on reinvestigations is a condition of employment. Skill in operating personal computers and related software, hardware and printing equipment in order to create and generate reports, to locate and extract electronic files, and to format information for electronic dissemination. This includes knowledge of and skill in using Microsoft software and agency specific software and web services. Candidate must be able to work independently while effectively managing multiple assignments and priorities.

A clean criminal record verified by a standard background check with local, state and national law enforcement agencies. A security clearance is not a requirement. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment. Some travel will be required with this position. The ability to have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:

Please email Resume and Cover Letter, 3 professional references and preferred county of employment (Anne Arundel, Kent, or Worcester County) to: somdrcd@somdrcd.org

The Southern Maryland RC&D is an equal opportunity employer. All programs and services of the Southern Maryland RC&D Board are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability or political belief.

National Farm to School Network (NFSN) Remote Positions

National Farm to School Network (NFSN) is hiring multiple positions, all remote within the US. 

Executive Director
Deadline: October 31, 2023 11:59 PM PST
Classification: Full-time, regular, 40 hours per week

Salary: $100,000-$125,000 plus benefits
Full Announcement and Application: click here

Finance and Operations Director
Deadline: October 29, 2023 11:59 PM PST
Classification: Full-time, regular, 40 hours per week

Salary: $70,000 plus benefits

Full Announcement: click here
To apply, fill out our screening form here

Policy Intern
Deadline: November 13, 2023 11:59 PM PST

Classification: Part-time, temporary position for up to 8 months, 10-15 hours per week  
Compensation: $15 - $17/hour
Full Announcement and Application: click here

About NFSN

NFSN is an information, advocacy and networking hub for communities working to bring local food sourcing and food and agriculture education (including school gardens) into schools and early care and education settings. NFSN provides vision, leadership and support to connect and expand the farm to school movement. For more information, please visit www.farmtoschool.org. NFSN is a fiscally sponsored project of Tides Center www.tides.org.