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. Duties may include 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; and other duties (as assigned) to assist CACAT staff. The intern will gain exposure to different partners from private public agency and nonprofit sectors.

Hours and Schedule:Interns areexpected to work up to39 hoursper week during the summer months butmaybegin the internship during the spring semester at approximately 3 hours per week. Remote work hours are flexible. There will be required field days to be scheduled with the supervisor.CACAT internships may run for up toa 12-month period.

Qualified Candidate: 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; and be willing to conduct occasional travel (valid drivers license and reliable vehicle required).

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