Soil Health Intern

Pasa Sustainable Agriculture•Lancaster, PA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Pasa is seeking multiple interns for their 2026 soil sampling season to assist with their Soil Health Benchmark Study. This ongoing regional community science project helps farmers assess their soil health in relation to their management practices. Interns will be responsible for collecting soil samples from farms across Pennsylvania and gathering additional data from farmers. This is a seasonal position from October 1st to December 30th. The role involves fieldwork, remote work for check-ins and coordination, and potential in-office workdays in Harrisburg. Flexibility is crucial due to potential rescheduling of farm visits based on farmer availability and weather. Interns can expect to work 15-30 hours per week, with farm visit days typically lasting 4-8 hours, potentially longer with travel. Fieldwork will be conducted with another intern or Pasa staff member. Interns must adhere to Pasa's remote work policies and will report to the Research Coordinator. Training, including virtual and in-person sessions, is required in early October.

Requirements

Reliable transportation to rural areas, a valid driver's license, and vehicle insurance.
Coursework or work experience related to biology, agriculture, or other related sciences.
Previous agricultural, outdoor, field, or lab research experience.
Able to communicate and work effectively in a remote environment.
Able to communicate and work effectively with a diversity of farmers and people.
Able to carry out detail-oriented tasks and procedures successfully.
Able to lift up to 40 pounds and perform physical labor outdoors (e.g. digging 12 in holes and carrying equipment across fields that could be 20+ acres in size) in a variety of soil conditions (i.e. rocky to sandy soils) and weather conditions typical for Pennsylvania in the fall (ranging from hot to freezing conditions).
Located no more than 150 miles from either Lancaster or Reading, PA during the period of the internship.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Google Workspace.
Interest in capturing photos, videos, and farmer stories for Pasa’s communications.

Responsibilities

Collecting soil samples in farm fields across the state.
Gathering other data from farmers.
Participating in regular check-in meetings, training, and communication efforts related to coordinating visits.
Potentially working in-office days in Harrisburg.
Complying with Pasa’s remote work policies.
Reviewing training material and attending virtual and in-person training days.