Home Employment Southeast Organic Center Research Internship

Southeast Organic Center Research Internship

Agricultural Research interns will work directly with the Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center’s Research staff to address current and future agricultural needs. They will participate in rigorous research focused on regenerative organic methods for agricultural production. Interns will identify tools and practices to help grow organic agriculture by addressing pest and fertility issues, climate change mitigation techniques, and human health through crop nutrient density. Rodale Institute’s research focuses on biological mechanisms to reduce pest issues, soil erosion, fossil fuel use, and greenhouse gas emissions; heighten nutrient and water use efficiencies; improve pollinator activity; and increase food security. We utilize systems-based approaches to soil, crop, animal, human, and planetary health. Our main experiments at the Southeast Organic Center are:

  • Tillage and Cover Crop Experiment – This work looks at the influence that varying tillage techniques and cover crop combinations have on the soil microbial community, soil nutrient levels, infiltration, compaction, yield, and vegetable nutrient density.
  • 1-acre Demonstration Garden and Varieties Trial – This work demonstrates the use of the spring and fall as the main growing season for central Georgia farmers as well as tests vegetable varieties for early and late season viability.
  • Additional field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies are also conducted.

Responsibilities could include:

Interns spend the majority of their time conducting field work, typically performing the following tasks:

  • Complete and present an individual research project. Interns will work in conjunction with the project Principal Investigator on data analysis and presentation.
  • Collect and process soil, plant, insect, grain, and produce samples using industry-standard protocols.
  • Conduct soil analyses including aggregate stability, bulk density, compaction, infiltration, etc.
  • Conduct plant analyses including weed identification, stand counts, vegetable system pest scouting, etc.
  • Lay out experimental field plots using GPS mapping, in-field measurements, and flagging.
  • Assist with greenhouse seeding/transplanting and in-field transplanting, which may include watering duties over the weekends.
  • Tend and maintain field, greenhouse, and/or high tunnel experiments (using hand tools, weedwhackers, mowers, etc.).
  • Enter data precisely and in a timely manner for statistical analysis and interpretation.
  • Accurately and neatly label sample collection materials, as directed.
  • Participate in bi-weekly Research Department discussions based on journal articles and project updates.

Candidate qualifications:

  • Undergraduate or graduate degree, or undergraduate student with good academic standing from an accredited college or university.
  • A strong work ethic, initiative, and motivation.
  • Attention to detail and a high level of care.
  • The ability to work well individually and in a team environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Interest in regenerative agricultural issues, practices, and/or research.
  • Trusting and respectful attitude toward all staff and visitors.
  • Willingness to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Open minded and flexible; willing to work in all departments as a team member.

Additional Information:

  • Location: Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center, 7850 Rico Road, Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, 30268
  • Compensation: Interns will be paid $7.25/hour if receiving housing, or $9.50/hour if not receiving housing. Organic produce from the farm is occasionally available during the growing season.
  • Housing: Communal on-site housing is available for interns. You must notify us in advance if you need on-site housing.
  • Schedule: Interns work full-time for 16-24 weeks. Internships are available for spring or fall (see chart below). Start and end dates are somewhat flexible, as long as they land within the given timeframe.
  • Deadlines: Internship is open until filled. Please contact us at Resumes@RodaleInstitute.org to submit your application materials and check availability.
  • Application Materials:
    • Cover letter (including dates of availability and contact information for 3 references)
    • Resume or CV
    • Official or unofficial transcript(s)

Please send the cover letter, resume, and transcript to Resumes@RodaleInstitute.org. Please indicate which internship you are applying to in the subject line of your email.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.

Explore More Opportunities