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Internship Information
All paid positions have been filled at this time.
The Rodale Institute®, a global leader in regenerative agriculture, is devoted to innovative agriculture research, outreach and training. The Institute's internships generally begin in April/May and end November or December. The internship is a full-time, 40 hour per week program for the full 6-9 months depending on the department. Occasionally, we develop shorter internship programs. Positions are available in the following areas:
Research: The Research Department investigates a number of scientific and regenerative farming issues, including cover crop practices, organic weed management, organic no-till systems, compost use, influences of agricultural practices on water quality, and effects of mycorrhizae and other soil biota on crop and soil health, and yields. The Department also oversees the Farming Systems Trial (FST), the oldest continuous trial in the US that compares organic and conventional farming systems. To support this research, our interns work with staff researchers to lay out experimental field plots, assist with greenhouse plantings, conduct lab experiments, tend and maintain experiments, collect and process samples from the field, and enter data for statistical analysis and interpretation. This work involves physical activities in the field, lab work, and computer use, operating both in teams and individually. Motivation and attention to detail are vital for the success of our research.
Communications: Interns will join staff to communicate, advocate, outreach and train a range of audiences with the positive roles for regenerative organic agriculture and the Institute’s leadership role. This happens through journalistic coverage of sustainable farming, food-system changes and agricultural research on our website; writing in support of research-based farmer training; advocacy writing in other formats, including op-eds and blogs; and policy work that ties real-farm options and limits to laws, incentives and regulations. Communication specialists use the Web, print publication and other media to reach farmers, food businesses, environmental organizations and consumers.
Research, writing, editing, fact-checking, photography, image creation, drafting presentations, reader service, event planning, learning evaluation, educational curriculum design and information dissemination are critical skills employed in a dynamic team environment. On-site learning tours and field days in other locations require strategic planning that fits learning experience to the audience. Self-directed, highly competent, highly interactive and creative intern candidates wishing to learn and develop these skills may apply.
Farm Operations/Demonstration: In order to conduct our research trials the demonstration/operations department operates a 333-acre certified organic farm facility. This department manages the day-to-day tasks necessary to conduct all research field trials, maintain farm/garden areas and landscape grounds activities. Interns in the farm operations department have the opportunity to participate and gain hands-on experience in individual areas as well as the farm as a whole. Interns will have the ability to learn the safe use of most farm machinery however much of the work will entail more modest hand tools. New since 2008: We added a farm/garden area focused on the principles of "natural agriculture", and our interns participate in the on-going design and implementation of that garden as well as activities involving youth groups.
All phases of this work require some physical outdoors activity under any and all weather conditions. Prospective interns should be motivated to support the success of our institution and be willing to participate in both individual and team activities. The outcomes from these activities support our overall mission, the work of both the research and communications departments, and individual accomplishments.
