ASTA is seeking to fill 2023 paid summer internship positions. Ideal candidates will be entering their junior or senior year of college or enrolled in a master’s program, studying relevant agricultural or science disciplines.

About the Internship: The internship offers students the opportunity to gain valuable communications and policy experience while learning in a hands-on environment. Interns will develop leadership and project management skills, while gaining insight into association work and cutting-edge agricultural research. They will manage projects from start to finish and work closely and collaboratively with ASTA staff. Interns will participate in ASTA’s Leadership Summit, where they’ll have access to valuable educational content and networking opportunities with ASTA members. Upon completion, interns will have a portfolio of relevant hands-on project experience to add to their resumes.

Internship Position: Government Affairs

This position will be based in Alexandria, VA at ASTA’s headquarters. Candidates must be available to attend the ASTA Leadership Summit, June 10-14 in Sacramento, California.

Key duties/job functions include:

• Monitor Congressional Activity
  • Attend House and Senate Hearings
  • Track and analyze priority legislation
  • Assist with tracking and mapping Members of Congress
  • Identify Members that are key seed industry representatives through constituency and leadership positions
• Monitor Administration Activity
  • Participate and monitor Agency briefings and stakeholder events
  • Track and analyze priority regulatory activity at agencies including USDA and the EPA
• Support ASTA Policy Efforts
  • Support efforts in ag industry coalitions
  • Help with policy research on key issues, including Farm Bill priorities
  • Assist in the management, coordination, and execution of projects within ASTA’s internal committees
  • Identify and collaborate with grower/farmer partners
• ASTA Leadership Summit Support
  • Assist with pre-conference logistics and marketing efforts leading up to ASTA’s Leadership Summit on June 10-14 in Sacramento, CA
  • Attend the conference and provide on-site support as assigned
  • Participate in relevant student programming, including leadership development and advocacy sessions

Key desired skills include:

• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Interest in agriculture and policy; completion of some agriculture policy coursework preferred
• Basic research experience preferred
• Ability to work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to take direction and learn new things
• Efficient in MS Office and Excel
• Organized, detail oriented and highly self-motivated

Apply Now:

Do you have the skills and the desire to be part of a fun, hard-working team? Send your resume, two writing samples and a brief cover letter to Ann Jorss, ASTA chief operating officer, at ajorss@betterseed.org with the subject “Internship Application.” Please specify if you are applying for the Marketing/Communications or Government Affairs position. For questions and additional information, please call (703) 837-8140. The deadline for applications is April 25, 2023.

About ASTA: Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is one of the oldest trade associations in the United States. Its membership consists of over 650 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding and related industries in North America. ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry wide importance. ASTA promotes the development of better seed, to produce better crops, for a better quality of life. To learn more, visit: betterseed.org.