Interns

At The Land Institute we are repeatedly struck by how capable, interesting and committed our interns are. Interns serve a critical role in fulfilling our shared mission, contributing as staff team members to our work on perennial crops, research to achieve ecological intensification, and ecosphere studies.

Research Residents, a new intern classification in 2019, were primarily selected from individuals who completed the regular intern program and expressed a strong desire to delve into our research to a greater depth, and ultimately go to graduate school.

Internships at The Land Institute

With thousands of experimental plots and tens of thousands of experimental plants, our permanent research staff can’t always keep up. Every year we rely on seasonal interns to help us out. All internships are paid positions. Although interns are often students, we consider adult applicants of any age and background.

Our interns gain valuable insight into the research programs of The Land Institute while assisting in the fields, seed processing facilities, and labs. Fieldwork includes hoeing, transplanting, and sampling alongside preeminent scientists working to develop Natural Systems Agriculture. Summer interns enjoy seminars with the staff and visiting scientists, but the majority of learning is gained from hands-on work with the research programs. Keep in mind that although the fieldwork is satisfying, it also can be physically challenging.

We generally require that interns commit to a duration of at least three months between May and October. Interns are paid and work ~40 hour weeks. Interns do not receive housing, but we help organize housing for those who request help. Rent is typically around $300/month. Most interns fall somewhere between sophomores in college to recently graduated, but there are exceptions on both ends of that gradient.

We are now accepting applications for Summer Internships. Please direct inquires to Carl Bowden at for more information on the process. Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2020.