Research Experiences in Solid Earth Science for Students Summer Internship

RESESS is a summer internship program, primarily funded by the National Science Foundation, that is dedicated to increasing diversity in the geosciences. 

RESESS encourages applications from students who are members of historically underrepresented groups in the Earth sciences, with the aim of cultivating diversity in ideas and perspective.

They provide support and mentoring as students participate in authentic research experiences, building skills and confidence. Students may participate for up to two years.

Eligible candidates are full-time undergraduate students who:

• Have U.S. citizenship or permanent-resident status (no exceptions)
• Have completed the equivalent of two years or more of college
• Are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at the close of this application with a major in Earth or environmental sciences or related field
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Have completed several courses in geology, physical geography, hydrology, environmental sciences, math, physics, geophysics, and/or engineering
• Are interested in pursuing a career/graduate school in the Earth sciences or a related science
• Are comfortable with all internship requirements such as living in Boulder, Colorado, for the summer

The application deadline is February 1. Program dates are Mid May to Late July.

UNAVCO intends to run all internship programs during summer 2021. At this time, they aim to conduct these programs in person, in Boulder, Colorado. Should the situation change in terms of health and safety of participants and program staff they will convert all programming to a remote model. They will make any such decision on or before March 1, 2021. By applying to this program, you are agreeing to participate in either format. Support is available to assist with a work from home model.

For more information please visit: RESESS.unavco.org

Dairy Specialist Position at Rock Hill Orchard

Rock Hill Orchard/Woodbourne Creamery in Mount Airy, MD is looking for a dairy specialist to work with their herd of 120+ grass fed Guernsey cows. Their farm is 200 acres and they also have an orchard and farm market. They have a Delaval VMS robot which milks the cows on their schedule at least twice per day. The schedule is for 40-60 hours per week, six days per week, depending upon the season and the need. In addition, you may work in their orchard as needed and/or mowing/weed-eating/etc. 

Daily tasks include:

• Feeding calves
• Feeding cows in winter
• Maintaining barns including Scraping and cleaning holding area and pens
• Perform routine maintenance of Delaval VMS
• Assist with calving if needed
• Administer medicine as necessary

Requirements:

• Prior experience with dairy cows
• Good communication skills
• Must be legally able to work
• Experience driving a Bobcat and Tractor
• Current Drivers license
• Have ability to get to Rock Hill daily

To apply, please email info@rockhillorchard.com with your resume and background along with your contact info.

Rodale Institute’s Farmer Training Internship Program

Jumpstart your career in organic agriculture with an immersive training program led by some of the world’s leading regenerative organic experts!

Rodale Institute’s Farmer Training (RIFT) program is a multiple-track internship that gives aspiring farmers the knowledge and experience they need to start their regenerative organic career. Interns will experience the entire life cycle of an organic diversified crop and livestock farm, while also learning how to distribute and increase access to healthy organic food. Click here for more information and to apply! 

AGNR Student Council Ugly Sweater and Mask Instagram Party

Feel free to show off your ugly sweater or mask game by posting a picture of yourself in full holiday regalia! Tag @agnr_studentc in the post and the best sweater or mask will be reposted so everyone knows who the real monarch of the ugly holiday game is. #uglysweater #holidaymask #umdagnr

Biological Science Technician for National Park Service

The National Park Service is looking to hire a biological science (plants)/horticulture technician. The job will be a combination of telework and visits to parks, so someone who resides in the northeast region (Maine to Virginia) of the US has an advantage. The position will be participating and supporting the efforts of the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation’s efforts to improve the condition of historic landscapes. Such efforts include:

• The delivery of training in the field or virtually. Currently their efforts include an Arboriculture series, Trail System Management, Small Engine Repair and Maintenance, and Turf Skills.  All of these are at various stages of development and delivery.
• Technical Support-
• using field investigation and research to help inform parks of to care for their landscapes.
• Research historic landscapes and develop rehabilitation plans.
• Extension style updates for the field when it comes to turf, orchards, trees, vegetables, and horticultural plants.
• Historic Plant Replacement Program- they are developing a program to identify historically significant vegetation, teach the parks and the public about them, and devise an appropriate treatment to prolong or replace said vegetation.
• Development of GIS tools for use in the field.

Click here for more information and to apply. Candidates should both use the resume development tool that USAjobs offers- it makes an ugly resume, but it helps the candidate not miss anything or get tripped up on a technicality. They should read the position description and make sure that they highlight specific work experience or graduate classes that are relevant. It will be hard for a recent undergrad to qualify as their classes don’t count towards this, but a year’s worth of relevant work does (tough for an undergrad to do while in college, but not impossible). The candidate should also include their “real world resume” and a cover letter…these are things they will look at after someone makes it past the HR department and their hurdles.. These are bonus items that can be uploaded as additional documents. There are other documents, like a transcript, that will be required by USAjobs.

UMD Tutoring Website Updated

University of Maryland's Office of Undergraduate Studies has revised their tutoring website, which contains timely tips about study skills, time management and more!

New Spring 2021 Course: IDEA200/PLCY200- Designing the Future of the World: The Sustainable Development Goals

Add one credit to your Spring 2021 schedule and increase your global competence with an eight-week course that starts in March! 

Register today for PLCY200/IDEA200: Designing the World’s Future and benefit from this exciting new course: 

• Collaborate virtually with your international peers from institutions around the world. Invited universities include schools in Mexico, China and New Zealand.

• Learn from Dr. Robert Orr, Dean of UMD’s School of Public Policy and United Nations under secretary-general, and special advisor to the UN secretary-general on climate change.

• Hear guest lectures from international experts including those who were involved in the creation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDS)

Who is eligible? This course is open to all majors. We need people with different skill sets, perspectives and identities to make real change and work toward these global goals. This one-credit addition to your schedule will give you new skills to help us build a better future and expand your international network. 

 

Meet your professor! Dr. Robert Orr, Dean of UMD’s School of Public Policy, United Nations under secretary-general, and special advisor to the UN secretary-general on climate change. Dean Orr’s extensive experience with the United Nations will give students first-hand insight into the development and execution of the SDGs.

 

Click here for additional course information and to register!

Professional Grounds Management Society 2021 Scholarship

PGMS is awarding up to $10,000 in scholarships in 2021! Each year the PGMS scholarship committee awards monetary scholarships to students in horticulture or related fields. Applicants must be at least in their first year of college or may be recently graduated from high school (within the calendar year).

The top recipient will also have the opportunity to attend the School of Grounds Management Conference. PGMS will pay for the scholarship recipients’ conference registration and a travel allowance as well.

What are the criteria?

The applicant must be a current student of horticulture or a related field, must be sponsored by a PGMS member and will need to submit a cover letter and resume. The applicant will also need to submit their current college transcript and two letters of reference. 

What the scholarship selection committee looks for:

An active student with solid grades and past or current employment in the green industry, involvement in the industry with apprentice or professional organizations, such as FFA, 4H, state or county programs, as well as civic projects and outreach programs. The committee also looks for any personal development classes and any involvement in sports or clubs.

Click here for more information and to apply. Applications are due January 15, 2021. 

Apply to be a Peer Mentor for the AgDiscovery 2021 Summer Program

Ag Discovery 2021 is seeking qualified and exemplary students to fill the position of Ag Discovery Peer Mentor. Ag Discovery Peer Mentors assist Ag Discovery student participants during the 3-week program from July 11– July 30, 2021. Peer Mentors will receive a stipend and are included on all program field trips. In previous years, such field trips included, Brookside Gardens, and National Zoo, Smithsonian Natural History Museum, Capitol Hill, and USDA/APHIS research facilities. The 2021 program will likely occur in a virtual format due to COVID-19. Students who are interested in making connections, promoting the College of AGNR, and are able to work with youth (ages 15-17) are encouraged to apply. 

Ag Discovery 2021 Program: The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland College Park is excited to announce the 2021 Ag Discovery summer program from July 11 – July 30, 2018. Ag Discovery is a 3-week program sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) in conjunction with the University of Maryland (UMD) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and UMD Young Scholars Program (YSP) to promote the agricultural and life sciences and provide high-school students with an on-campus experience.

Student participants will engage in varied activities involving plants and animals, the importance of protecting America's food supply from insects and disease, the role of regulation in genetically engineered organisms, and the challenge of managing and resolving wildlife conflicts. Student participants will have the opportunity to earn three university college credits in AGNR100, “An Educational Odyssey Exploring Food, Culture, and the Environment.

All AGNR Discovery Mentors…

• Assist with online course construction and management
• Monitor student participants during sponsored activities from July 10 – July 30
• Accompany student participants on all weekday field trips and one weekend event
• Past student activities include a Capitol Hill tour, trips to the National Zoo, Smithsonian Natural History Museum, Brookside Gardens, Patuxent Wildlife Refuge, and USDA lab experiments. Most activities may be virtual.
• Assist AGNR100 instructor with course grading and activities
• Attend AGNR training session
• Positively represent AGNR and the University of Maryland
• Provide support, leadership, and compassion to Ag Discovery students

Qualifications: Applicants must 1) have experience working as a counselor, mentor, or tutor,  2) be an AGNR student 3) demonstrate leadership abilities and 4) be in good academic standing in your major

Program Dates: July 11 – July 30. Please consider your plans to take summer courses and the time commitment required for this position. Mentors must be available for the entire program, July 11- July 30. The workday for our virtual program is from 9 am to 3 pm daily and one Saturday during the three weeks. Students will work remotely during the program.  

How to apply:  Send a cover letter and resume to Tyra Monnity, tgallman@umd.edu.

Deadline: Friday, January 29, 2021

Seasonal Organic Farmer Position at Willowsford Farm

Willowsford Farm is seeking a full-time, seasonal farmer to assist in the day-to-day management and long-term development of its operation in northern Virginia that grows and sells organic produce, pasture raised eggs, and partner products directly to residents of Willowsford and surrounding communities.
 
The Seasonal Farmer position requires strong work ethic, communication skills, and attention to detail. The Seasonal Farmer will work with a small team to ensure safe production of high-quality products. The Seasonal Farmer must be willing to work hard and enjoy the physical nature of farming. This is an opportunity for individuals aiming to be professional farmers to hone their skills and take on more responsibility as part of a small, fun, and hardworking team.
 
Summary
Willowsford Conservancy is an integral part of the developing Willowsford community, located in Aldie and Ashburn, Virginia. A non-profit established in 2011, the Conservancy is the steward of over 2,000 acres of open space. Its mission is to support “...the viable, long-term use of the land, integrating farming, recreation, conservation, and education to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Willowsford and the greater community.”
 
As part of Willowsford Conservancy, Willowsford Farm manages approximately 18-20 acres for vegetable, herb, fruit, and flower production, including high tunnels for winter production. The farm spans three properties, with over 300 acres under the team’s management. The farm is well equipped with machinery, equipment, and facilities, focusing on using mechanization and systemization to be as efficient as possible. The farm grows certified organic produce and raises eggs on pasture. These products are sold through CSA memberships, local wholesale outlets, and through online channels.
 
Willowsford Conservancy helps residents connect with food, the land, and each other through the Farm and CSA programs, education and recreation programs, and sustainable land management practices. The Farm’s primary goal is to provide high-quality, sustainably grown produce to residents and the greater community. Planned production for 2021 includes 400 CSA vegetable shares, 150 winter vegetable shares, and 450 laying hens.
 
Reporting to the Farm Manager, the Seasonal Farmer will work closely with a team of year-round and seasonal farmers to help manage operations that support the Conservancy and Community objectives. If desired/appropriate, the Seasonal Farmer will have the opportunity to specialize in an area of the operation, taking over primary management of greenhouse operations, irrigation, cultivation, livestock, or another component of the farm.

Qualifications and Experience
Minimum:

• Hard working and strong communicator

• Self-directed, and willing to accept and utilize feedback and instruction

• Problem solver, creative thinker, and team player

• Proficient with computers, mobile devices, commonly used software, and office equipment

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

• Must be able to comfortably lift and/or move 50lbs and work outdoors in all types of weather

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

 
Desired:

• Experience in organic vegetable production with CSA emphasis

• Experience safely operating farm equipment, including tractors, tillage equipment, cultivation equipment, mowers, and other powered equipment.

• Experience working with livestock, including pastured laying hens

 
Primary Responsibilities
Farm Production

• Assist with tasks related to field production of organically produced vegetables including seeding, transplant production, planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling to meet production goals and assure high product quality

• Operate farm equipment and machinery in a safe and efficient manner

• Assist with daily poultry chores, including coop maintenance, pasture management, egg collection, and general livestock oversight

CSA

• Assist with harvest, preparation, packing, and distribution of CSA shares, ensuring food quality and food safety standards are met

• Positively represent the Conservancy through customer interactions and product quality

Season
This is a full-time (40-50 hrs/week), seasonal position that runs from April through November.
 
Compensation
Hourly at $15-17/hour, depending on experience. All farmers have access to fresh produce, eggs, and discounted partner products. Housing stipend is available to qualified applicants.
 
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Collin Thompson, Farm Manager, at cthompson@willowsfordfarm.com

Farm Manager Position at Clark's Elioak Farm

Clark’s Elioak Farm is a diversified farming operation on a 540-acre property in the middle of Howard County Maryland. Since 2002, they have run an agritourism business from April 1 to early November each year. They also raise and process 100% grassfed cattle (mostly Angus) and pigs. They sell the meat at their on-farm store and through a meat CSA and bulk boxes.  They have a 3-4 acre farm garden that produces vegetables that they sell on-farm and through a CSA. In this position you would manage a 100% grassfed cattle operation, which currently includes 75 head of cattle. 

The manager will:

• schedule breeding 
• set up and implement the grazing plan
• monitor animal health and rate of gain
• move the cattle based on the year-round grazing schedule

Other duties include: 

• management of pastures and hay fields
• management of the pig operation
• includes picking up, feeding, monitoring and taking to processors 30-36 pigs annually
• baling hay
• equipment and tractor care and maintenance
• fence, road, pathway care and maintenance
• maintenance and repair of waterers and watering systems

Requirements: 
At least 3 years experience in managing a grassfed cow-calf and feeder operation. Proficiency in driving and maintaining a variety of tractors, hay baling equipment and other farm equipment. Ability to provide routine maintenance of all equipment and ability to recognize any problem that you can’t fix. 

Details: 
Full time position, year-round employment. Will include weekday and weekend hours as needed. You will have some flexibility in your hours based on when you are most needed on the farm. Housing is available. Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. 

Interested applicants can contact clarksbeef@gmail.com, 443-741-2412 (call or text),

www.clarklandfarm.com

Program Director Position at Main Street Market

Main Street Project is a 501(c)3 agriculture non-profit organization based in Minnesota. Together with our partners, we are innovating a path towards a more just, resilient and healthy food system. Our 100-acre farm near Northfield is home to much of our work including research, demonstration, training and community building.

Main Street Project is looking for a bilingual Program Director who can help align and grow our community food security efforts in Northfield-Faribault. With funding from our financial partner, BlueCross BlueShield, our new Program Director will be part of a large cohort of Minnesota food access leaders and oversee our Community Connector, Community Gardens and Community Land Share initiatives.

For more information about responsibilities, qualification, benefits, etc., click here.

Interested candidates must apply electronically to hiring@mainstreetproject.org by submitting a resume, three professional references and a cover letter with their background, experience, qualifications and why they are interested in the position. Applications for this job posting will be received until December 11, 2020.

Bookkeeper Position at Common Good City Farm

Common Good City Farm is hiring a bookkeeper. They are looking for an experienced bookkeeper to join their team! The ideal candidate will have enthusiasm for being outdoors, growing and eating amazing food, and building community relationships. They should have experience with nonprofit account procedures, financial controls, and tracking project-specific funding sources in Quickbooks Online. This position will report to the Deputy Director, and work closely with the management team to ensure quality and consistency. 

The hourly rate for this position is $22/hr, for an estimated 12 hours per week. Benefits include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays 
• Flexible scheduling
• Employer contributions to an individual retirement account after six months of employment
• A staff share of vegetables and fruits during the market season
• Registration to workshops at cost of materials

Interested candidates should submit a letter, video recording, or audio recording about their interest that summarizes their skills and experience, along with their resume to jobs@commongoodcityfarm.org. This position is open until filled, but priority will be given to applicants who submit their materials by December 14, 2020. 

For details, please see https://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/jobs-and-internships. 

McNair Scholars PhD Prep Program

Thinking about Graduate School and Pursuing a Ph.D.? The McNair Scholars Program Can Help You Get There!

The Academic Achievement Programs' Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is a graduate school preparation program designed to identify high academic achievers from traditionally underserved groups and to prepare its Scholars to matriculate into graduate programs & to earn doctoral or terminal degrees.

Benefits of Being a McNair Scholar:

• Paid Summer Virtual & In-person Research Experience with Faculty
• GRE & Graduate School Application Fee Waivers 
• Graduate School Application Preparation Assistance

Online Information Sessions:

• December 7, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
• December 10, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
• February 1, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
• February 4, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Zoom Link

https://umd.zoom.us/j/92048380676?pwd=VlIyWDdyeCt6UzBMeWNOK0RBRjBUQT09

Application: 

Priority Deadline: December 31, 2020

General Deadline February 13, 2021 (rolling admission based on space availability thereafter)

Visit: http://ugst.umd.edu/AAP/mcnair-about.html

 

Contact:  

Rhea Roper Nedd, Ph.D.

(301) 405-4749 or rnedd@umd.edu 

US Fish & Wildlife Service 2021 Directorate Fellows Program

The 2021 Directorate Fellows Program Project List is now available! To preview all 2021 DFP positions, please view the following link: HERE

The following link provides access to all DFP information including the general announcement and application instructions: http://usaconservation.org/programs/epic-internship/directorate-resource-assistants-fellows-program-dfp/ 

If prospective applicants have any questions please feel free to reach out to dhecker@usaconservation.org.

The US Fish & Wildlife Service set an application priority deadline of 12/16/2020 - we encourage students to apply ASAP to be considered for the program.