Farm Research Data Intern

Pasa Sustainable Agriculture•Harrisburg, PA

3d•Remote

About The Position

Pasa’s Farm-Based Research program advances an inclusive definition of sustainable agriculture focused on measurable outcomes. It facilitates research with farmers using diverse production strategies to measure sustainability indicators such as soil health, product nutrient density, and farm-business financial viability, establishing benchmarks for what is typical and possible. The Farm Research Data Intern supports key areas of Pasa’s Soil Health Benchmark Study. The intern receives, organizes, and reviews farmer field-management data, communicates with farmers and partner organizations about data and study participation, and may assist with seasonal fieldwork. Other research survey data review, communication, tracking, and coordination tasks may also be assigned. The role works collaboratively with research team members and is supervised by Pasa’s Research Technology Coordinator. The internship runs from December 16, 2026, through June 30, 2027, at 25 hours per week. It is primarily remote, with occasional travel to farm sites throughout Pennsylvania and for in-office workdays. The intern must live within a 150-mile driving distance of Harrisburg, unless special permission is granted to reside closer to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh; in that case, the intern must live within a one-hour drive of either city. Interns may attend Pasa’s annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, each February. Compensation is $25 per hour and includes paid job training, paid travel time, and mileage reimbursement. Interns must provide their own laptop or computer; additional technology needs may be considered with supervisor approval. Applications are to be submitted through the Apply button with the requested materials and questionnaire. The position remains open until November 5, 2026. Initial interviews are scheduled to begin remotely via Zoom on November 16, 2026. The anticipated start date is December 16, 2026.

Requirements

At least 2 years of farm production experience in annual cropping systems.
Familiarity and comfort using spreadsheets to review large groupings of data.
Ability to communicate and work effectively and collaboratively in a remote environment.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with a diversity of farmers and people.
Ability to carry out detail-oriented tasks and procedures successfully.
Ability to learn new systems and technology.
Passion for Pasa’s mission.
Commitment to advancing the principles of anti-oppression.
Residence within a 150-mile driving distance of Harrisburg, unless special permission is granted to reside closer to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, in which case residence must be within a one-hour drive of either city.
Ability to provide a personal laptop or computer.

Nice To Haves

Experience in statistics, data analysis, experimental design, and/or survey design.
Experience with data-management, analysis, and relevant technology platforms such as Salesforce and Google Workspace.
Coursework or experience related to accounting or finance.
Academic fieldwork or research experience.

Responsibilities

Collect, organize, and review field-management data from a variety of farms, including planting and termination dates, equipment activity, amendments, and grazing activity.
Identify missing data and inconsistencies, and follow up with farmers when needed.
Follow protocols developed by the research team.
Communicate in a timely manner with research team members, farmers, and partners.
Receive, organize, and review other research survey data as needed.
Support other coordination tasks or potential seasonal fieldwork as needed.