USDA-ARS Agricultural Communications Internship
*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) located in Clay Center, Nebraska
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
Research Project: A Communications specialist, under the guidance of a mentor, will develop and implement various day-to-day aspects of diverse communication and outreach efforts at USMARC in support of the USDA Mission. This project includes the following activities and projects:
- Written and electronic communications that enhance the value of animal science research to consumers, farm organization leaders and stakeholders. Research activities include: (1) obtaining, analyzing and selecting the pertinent information; (2) determining the most logical and effective sequence of the narrative; (3) determining the overall length and tone based on the objectives, the medium, and the audience; (4) writing the material; (5) consulting on or selecting illustrative material; and (6) preparing the material for publication.
- Writes articles or collaborates with scientists with writing articles, for industry-based popular press magazines and news services that report on USMARC activities, particularly research programs for which public awareness and long-term understanding is important. Collaborates with ARS Communication staff and outside writers/reporters/editors to connect with appropriate scientists for articles being written by others outside of ARS or USMARC.
- Plans and prepares printed and web-based materials to inform the public about the scope and impact of USMARC ARS research.
- Develops, under guidance of a mentor, contemporary communication and outreach materials for outreach and stakeholder education including videos, interactive presentations, internet-based outreach, scientist/research profiles, USMARC programs, and other related educational/informational efforts.
- Interprets technical data with assistance from appropriate USMARC scientists, as well as scientific terminologies, for use in informational materials in a manner that is clear, accurate and suitable for the intended audience.
- Helps to arrange tours and outreach events for the USMARC such as educational displays at academic and industry stakeholder events.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this training the participant will improve their agriculture based written and verbal communication skills, develop a more comprehensive understanding of public agriculture research and how ARS research is addressing the USDA research mission, improve their interpersonal and organizational skills, and improve their ability to engage diverse stakeholders in support of public agricultural research programs.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Mark Boggess (mark.boggess@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 2023. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Plains@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g., Animal Science).
Preferred Skills:
- Practical working knowledge of animal science and food animal production systems. Ranch, academic and industry experience strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of the principles, methods, practices and techniques of communication.
- Skill in communicating effectively with a diverse audience including scientists, producers, administrators, and the general public.
- Excellent written skills including sentence structure, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and experience providing and hosting interviews on subject matter pertinent to the research mission at USMARC.
- Skill in the operation of personal computers and software packages in order to prepare reports, presentations, spreadsheet and graphic displays.
- Ability to perform diverse procedures and processes in a timely matter.
- Ability to coordinate and implement concurrent and diverse activities in a timely manner.
- Ability to travel and organize presentations at fairs, meetings, and conferences.