Nextgen Student Internships

USDA NextGen internships provide graduate or undergraduate students with real-world experience in food systems, offering the opportunity to make valuable connections and gain practical skills for future careers. UAF NextGen is partnering within the fields of urban and organic agriculture, Indigenous foodways, water management, and government service to host USDA NextGen interns.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) has been awarded funding through the USDA NextGen Program to support students pursuing careers in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. As part of this initiative, we are offering paid internships for both undergraduate and graduate students for the upcoming summer. These internships provide an exciting opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and contribute to important research and projects that impact the future of our food systems and natural resources.
Interns will have the opportunity to work alongside professionals and researchers in various fields related to agriculture, food science, natural resource management, and sustainability. Throughout the program, students will develop practical skills, build professional networks, and gain a deeper understanding of the key issues and solutions shaping the future of food and agriculture.

Intern Responsibilities:
Collaborate on research projects related to food, agriculture, and natural resources.
Assist in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Participate in workshops, seminars, and other educational events.
Contribute to the development of solutions for sustainable agricultural practices and resource management.
Work closely with UAF faculty, researchers, and industry professionals.
Participate in fieldwork and hands-on activities, depending on the specific project.
These internships are designed to provide valuable career development opportunities and enhance the professional growth of students interested in pursuing a career in these dynamic and impactful fields.
If you are passionate about the future of food, agriculture, and natural resources, we encourage you to apply and take part in this incredible opportunity to help shape the next generation of leaders in these industries.

To succeed in this internship, you should have a passion for food, agriculture, natural resource management, and sustainability. You will be expected to actively engage with professionals and researchers from various fields, so strong communication and collaboration skills are essential. Being curious and eager to learn will be key as you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the complex challenges and solutions shaping the future of these industries.

As an intern, you will contribute to important research projects, assist in data collection and analysis, and participate in fieldwork. A proactive approach to problem-solving, along with the ability to adapt in dynamic environments, will help you thrive. Additionally, the opportunity to attend workshops, seminars, and other educational events will allow you to continuously build your knowledge and professional network, so enthusiasm for personal and professional growth is a must.

This role offers hands-on experience and direct interaction with UAF faculty, researchers, and industry professionals, providing a solid foundation for your future career. If you're ready to dive into real-world challenges and contribute to sustainable solutions in food, agriculture, and natural resources, this internship will provide you with the tools, experiences, and connections to succeed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants should be enrolled as a UA student in a minimum of 6 credits during the academic year, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher.
NON-UA Students Need Not Apply.

This position is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks, Alaska.  This is a part-time, non-exempt temporary student position for which hours can vary up to 40 per week. Salary is negotiable and based on education and experience.

This is a pooled position, which means that the position remains open until all internship spots have been filled. 

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kenna Metivier, Signers' Business Office at kjmetivier@alaska.edu or 907-474-1847

This position is represented by the Alaska Graduate Workers Association (AGWA/UAW). https://www.alaska.edu/hr/labor/labor-relations/index.php.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.