Soil Health Interns (Fall 2026)

Mission: Cultivating environmentally sound, economically viable, community-focused farms and food systems

Position overview: Do you have a background in agriculture, biology, ecology, or a related science and love getting out in the field? We are seeking multiple interns to help us with our 2026 soil sampling season. Pasa's Soil Health Benchmark Study is an ongoing regional community science project that helps farmers assess the health of their soils in relation to their management practices. With around 100 farms participating in the study in Pennsylvania, we need a lot of help collecting soil samples.

This is a seasonal position beginning October 1st and concluding by December 30th. Interns will primarily be responsible for collecting soil samples in farm fields across the state and gathering other data from farmers. Remote work will involve regular check- in meetings, training, and communication efforts related to coordinating visits. There may be additional opportunities for in-office workdays in Harrisburg.

Flexible availability is necessary for success in this role, since farm visits may be rescheduled last minute due to farmers' changing availability and weather conditions. Interns can expect to work 4 to 8 hours on most farm visit days, depending on the farm size and travel. With travel, some days may extend beyond 8 hours. While conducting fieldwork, interns will work with another intern or a Pasa staff member.

Pasa will be hiring multiple interns to participate in soil sampling, with each intern working about 15 to 30 hours per week. Please be prepared to discuss the average weekly schedule you're seeking within this stated range (15-30 hours per week). Interns must comply with Pasa's remote work policies and will report to Pasa's Research Coordinator.

Interns are required to review training material and attend virtual and in-person training days in early October.

Qualifications

• Reliable transportation to rural areas, a valid driver's license, and vehicle insurance
• Coursework or work experience related to biology, agriculture, or other related sciences
• Previous agricultural, outdoor, field, or lab research experience
• Able to communicate and work effectively in a remote environment
• Able to communicate and work effectively with a diversity of farmers and people
• Able to carry out detail oriented tasks and procedures successfully
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds and perform physical labor outdoors (e.g. digging 12 in holes and carrying equipment across fields that could be 20+ acres in size) in a variety of soil conditions (i.e. rocky to sandy soils) and weather conditions typical for Pennsylvania in the fall (ranging from hot to freezing conditions)
• Located no more than 150 miles from either Lancaster or Reading, PA during the period of the internship

Preferred qualifications

• Familiarity with Google Workspace
• Interest in capturing photos, videos, and farmer stories for Pasa's communications

Compensation: $20 per hour. Includes paid job training, paid travel time, and mileage reimbursement.