Smart Foodscapes QCNR Summer Internship

Overview

We are currently seeking applicants aged 16 and above to join our Smart Foodscapes Research and Education teams. As part of our mission to develop more sustainable practices in beef production systems, successful candidates will assist in the creation and implementation of strategies for sustainable rangeland management. Successful applicants will actively participate in cattle grazing trials and contribute to the preparation and seeding of research plots featuring a diverse range of legume and forb species at the USU Richmond farm facility.

Responsibilities

• Gathering data on plant establishment and production.
• Monitoring animal performance.
• Assessing welfare.
• Evaluating environmental impact parameters.

Qualifications

• Students with an interest in applications of biology in the areas of natural resources, agriculture or animal sciences.
• Must have the ability to learn new skills rapidly and effectively as well as take instruction and conduct field work as directed.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV" 
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

$15.00 per hour

ADA

Work is performed outdoors at the USU Richmond Farm in direct interaction with cattle. Appropriate field attire, including sturdy, closed-toe footwear, is required. This position involves extended periods of work in direct sunlight during the summer months; therefore, maintaining adequate hydration and heat awareness is essential.

 

This position requires moderate physical activity. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds), walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting.  This position requires nearly continuous standing, repetitive hand motions, and reaching overhead.  Employees may be exposed to unusual elements including extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

College/Department Highlights

The S. J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources is nationally and internationally recognized for its research, extension, and teaching on natural and socio-environmental ecosystems. It is a high-impact college at Utah State University with over $15M in research funding annually, 55 tenure-track faculty in three departments, and close partnerships with federal and state natural resource agencies.

 

 The Department of Wildland Resources in QANR encompasses research in applied terrestrial ecology, including the ecology and management of wildlife, forests, rangelands, conservation biology, and climate change adaptation.  Award-winning faculty teach courses that prepare students for professional careers in many natural resources fields, including programs accredited by the Society of American Foresters and the Society for Range Management and aligned with the Society of Ecological Restoration.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

 

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

 

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.