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Natural Resource Career Development Program (NRCDP)
Making conservation work for farming communities
The Natural Resource Career Development Program is designed for college students eager to become future leaders in community service. Transform your passion for natural resources into a fulfilling career with the NRCDP: A paid, competitive summer internship opportunity in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as an employer of choice for diverse populations.
The USDA focuses on providing support to landowners backed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service which helps American farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners make conservation work for them.
Interns are placed in a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service field office, where they will actively participate in and learn from real-world projects that restore wetlands, improve soil health, protect wildlife habitats, and conserve rangelands for ranching and farming communities.
The NRCDP offers hands-on workshops and activities that equip Cal Poly Humboldt students with essential skills in applying for federal positions. You can gain insider knowledge on what courses you need to meet NRCS job requirements, building a federal resume, mastering the USAJOBS application process, navigating the next-step Pathways internship program, and building a competitive edge for a future career with a federal agency.
This internship opportunity is open to current Cal Poly Humboldt students whose interests or declared programs include but are not limited to:
- Rangeland Resources Science
- Botany
- Environmental Resources Engineering
- Environmental Science & Management
- Hydrology (minor)
- Wildland Soils (minor)
Internship at a glance:
- Join an NRCS field office and gain federal work experience with real projects.
- Housing and Travel Stipends offered to supplement expenses
- Completion of 480 hours of internship grants a student opportunity for conversion into a full time position with the USDA-NRCS: This internship fulfills 320 of those hours – 2/3 of the way into a full time position!
- Get additional support to secure your career with the NRCDP’s workshops, resources, and dedicated staff
Eligibility:
- Open to current Cal Poly Humboldt students majoring in Environmental Resources Engineering, Botany, Rangeland Management, Environmental Science & Management, Soil Science and related fields that want a career in natural resource management and conservation
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Must have a reliable personal vehicle and be willing to drive to the NRCS field office
- Fluency in Spanish is a plus! Applicants who are fluent in Spanish or interested in working with Hispanic agricultural communities are particularly encouraged to apply
For more information, please contact NRCDP Coordinator Amir.Malikyar@humboldt.edu
