Conservation Careers Intern

Texas A&M University System•El Paso, TX

13d•$15

About The Position

The Conservation Careers Intern will participate in an immersive internship program designed to introduce students to the wide range of careers in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. Centered in El Paso County’s “lower valley” or “mission valley”—a vital agricultural region along the Rio Grande—the program offers students firsthand exposure to the environmental and economic challenges facing local farming communities. As an intern, you will learn about issues affecting underserved Hispanic small-acreage farmers, explore the importance of sustainable water and land management, and gain insight into how conservation professionals help balance agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship. The internship also aims to increase diversity within conservation-related fields by engaging students from varied backgrounds and empowering them to pursue careers aligned with the needs of their communities. Through educational activities, field-based learning, and interactions with conservation and agriculture professionals, interns will build foundational knowledge, develop practical skills, and explore pathways to future careers. This program offers a unique opportunity to understand the role conservation plays in supporting regional agriculture, heritage tourism, and long-term sustainability in El Paso County.

Requirements

Currently enrolled as a high school senior or as an undergraduate student.
Motivated to learn.
Able to work as part of a team.
Professional demeanor.
Ability to travel to local internship sites in the county to participate in educational programs.

Responsibilities

Participates fully in all orientation and training provided by AgriLife Extension.
Attends weekly trainings throughout the spring semester as part of the professional development workshop series.
Participates in a 10 week, 20 hour per week summer internship at various internship sites.
Works in partnership with AgriLife Extension staff and with fellow student interns to complete a capstone project.
Participates in leadership development opportunities.
Assists in program evaluation, including reports, sign-in sheets, surveys, record-keeping activities and other data collection activities.