Part-Time Central Pennsylvania Ag Conservation Intern

Penn State University•Ferguson Township, PA

About The Position

The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT) at Penn State Extension is in need of summer interns based out of Centre County to assist CACAT staff and local partners in the delivery of its projects and programs in the Central region. The mission of the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training is to help farmers, ag landowners, and conservation professionals implement best practices, ensure the health of land and water in our communities, and leverage funding and partnerships. The Center was formed in 2023 along with partners at the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission (SCC) and the Pennsylvania State Office of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Funding for the Center is provided through the state Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). The Center will collaborate with university partners at the Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center (AEC) through the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Science (SAFES) for tasks related to this this internship opportunity. The interns will work on projects and programs related to the implementation of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) and development of resources for agricultural conservation assistance training. Primary duties include both field-based and desk-based work.

Requirements

Should be currently enrolled as a student or a recent graduate
Candidates should have an interest in agricultural and/or environmental sciences, water resources, and natural resources, but no former experience in those fields is required
Candidates should have excellent writing and communication skills
Have the ability to work from home
Be willing to conduct occasional travel (valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required)

Responsibilities

Developing informational and outreach materials, including BMP Fact Sheets and articles for our newsletter Ag Conservation Currents
Using GIS tools to perform aerial imagery surveys
Participating in watershed planning and water quality monitoring
Assisting Penn State Extension and other technical partners to help deliver agricultural conservation trainings
Visiting farmers, landowners, and municipalities to discuss opportunities for implementing conservation practices
Conducting field work on restoration and BMP implementation, including conducting maintenance on riparian buffers
Assisting CACAT staff in facilitating and managing watershed based partnerships in the region
Other duties (as assigned) to assist CACAT staff

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