Secretary Perdue announces new OneUSDA Internship Program

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced on Dec. 4 the “OneUSDA Internship” opportunity for summer 2019 as part of the Federal Pathways Program. According to a release from Secretary Perdue’s office, the OneUSDA Internship “will provide students a way to explore serving their country through a career in government while gaining work experience in agriculture, natural resources, rural development, and other career fields.”

He said, “The improvements we’re making to internships at USDA will enable us to recruit the best and retain the best. Today’s young people are the future of America and there are few things more American than agriculture. We’re aiming to find young talent, with a diverse background, across all 50 states, to begin their careers as an intern with USDA.”

The release went on to say, “The OneUSDA Internship Program offers Federal opportunities to students currently enrolled in qualifying educational programs or institutions, with a comprehensive developmental program intended to provide students with experience in a dynamic work environment that will enhance their educational goals and shape their career choices. An internship with USDA will involve various components of on-the-job experience, mentorship, and training tailored to the student’s education, experience, and interests.”

During 2018 USDA hosted more than 3,000 interns throughout the country, about half of which were through the Federal Pathways Program. In the Summer of 2019, USDA will hire Pathways Interns in hundreds of locations across every state in the country for the following occupational fields: Veterinary Science; Biological Sciences (e.g., natural resources management forestry, wildlife biology, fish biology, ecology, botany, rangeland management, recreation); Engineering; Agribusiness, Contracting, Procurement, and Industry; and General Administration and Office Support.

“USDA is making sure the Summer 2019 OneUSDA internship job announcement is easier-than-ever for college students to find and apply for,” the release said, “ After choosing the geographic region of preference and the career path that best matches with students’ area of study and professional aspirations at http://www.usda.gov/Internships, students simply follow the weblinks to https://www.usajobs.gov/ to set up an account, then follow the prompts to apply to the internship.”

When applying, applicants can indicate their preferred area of interest and USDA Agency or office. Application review start date was set for Dec. 9, and the application window will close on Jan. 18, 2019. For more information, visit www.USDA.gov/Internships.