Agroecosystems Intern

Job type: Part-Time (6-months) or Full-Time (3-months) depending on individual schedule and needs  

Location: Remote  

Organization Description 

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a nonprofit organization that builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing the biggest challenges in food and agriculture. FFAR is committed to providing every person access to affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms. The Foundation pioneers scientific and technological innovation by funding research that fills critical research gaps. Ultimately, FFAR’s partnership and results benefit farmers, consumers and the environment. 

FFAR’s research is a core facet of the organization, developed in collaboration with industry, government, academia and nonprofit institutions. Leveraging public and private resources, FFAR increases the scientific and technological research, innovation and partnerships needed to reach an ambitious goal:

A U.S. food and agriculture system that supports producers and their communities, sustains the environment and enables processors and retailers to deliver foods that equitably nourish our population. 

FFAR works toward this goal by focusing on four interrelated, strategic Priority Areas that together aim to provide the impacts stakeholders need to improve and advance the food and agriculture system: 

• Cultivating Thriving Production Systems 
• Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems 
• Bolstering Healthy Food Systems 
• Strengthening the Scientific Workforce 

Position Description 

The Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems Intern will be an active, contributing member of the FFAR Science Team, gaining education and experience through exposure to various projects and tasks related to the Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems portfolio. The intern will achieve significant exposure to the food and agriculture research landscape by observing and participating in meetings within FFAR, with current and potential partners and colleagues in government, nonprofit, business and academic sectors.   

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Learn about FFAR’s strategy and become familiar with the research priorities of the organization.  
• Contribute to portfolio review and literature and partnership research on topics related to climate-smart agriculture, agricultural research methods and soil fertility.  
• Assist in facilitating collaboration by creating internal and external materials using tools such as PowerPoint, Miro, Doodle, etc. 
• Assist with administration of the scientific peer review process (i.e., reviewer identification, correspondence, management and synthesis). 
• Assist with task tracking and digital dashboards for project management. 
• Collaborate with team members on program management and recordkeeping (e.g., updating and maintaining project and budget trackers).  
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

• Continuing student at a college or university required, with enrollment in a graduate program strongly preferred.  
• Completion of at least two years of college or university education required.   
• Knowledge of and passion for food and agriculture research, with climate-smart agriculture and/or soil fertility and nutrient management experience desired.  
• Interest and course work in environmental science, agronomy, soil science or related fields is desired. 
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with excellent ability to collate, synthesize and present information.  
• Excellent organizational skills.  
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.  
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite. 
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting.  

Application 

To apply for this position, please complete the online application here:  

Please include: 

• A cover letter and resume 
• Potential availability, including start and end dates (may be included in the cover letter).  

Please upload all request application materials to the online application system.  

FFAR reviews applications on a rolling basis and will accept applications until a candidate is selected. Applications must include a substantive cover letter and resume. Applicants are also encouraged to include professional references with contact information; however, FFAR will not contact references without explicit permission from the candidate.  

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 

Additional Information 

This position requires long periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  

EEO Statement 

FFAR is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Applications are encouraged from individuals who may fall into any such groups, as well as from veterans and uniformed service members.