ASTA Internship Program

ASTA has multiple paid internships available year-round (*as-needed basis). 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. *Note* ASTA does not sponsor for work authorization. Please see below for the ASTA internship opportunities available.

About the Internships: These internships offer students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the areas of communications, federal policy, seed trade policy and meeting marketing and planning, 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 an ASTA meeting, where they’ll have access to valuable educational content and networking opportunities with ASTA members. Upon completion, interns will have a portfolio of relevant applied project experience to add to their resumes.

Internship Position #1: Ag Marketing/Communications*

This position will be based in Alexandria, VA at ASTA’s headquarters; however, remote work may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Candidates must be available to attend an ASTA meeting, dependent upon the internship term: Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference (January/February); Leadership Summit (June); Field Crop Seed Convention (December).

Key duties/job functions include:

• Video creation
  • Support development of short video interviews with various seed industry experts
• Social Media Support
  • Plan and develop content for ASTA’s social media channels
  • Identify and engage with key online influencers
• Writing Support
  • Draft articles, blog posts and other online content for use across ASTA’s channels and newsletters
• Student Engagement
  • Assist in gathering new company and student spotlights for the student newsletter
  • Update university contact lists
• ASTA Conference Support
  • Assist with pre-conference logistics and marketing efforts
  • 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
• Experience in social media planning and content development
• Basic video editing skills
• Basic understanding of web content management
• Interest in agriculture and science; completion of some scientific coursework preferred
• Organized, detail oriented and highly self-motivated
• Ability to work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment

Internship Position #2: Government Affairs*

This position will be based in Alexandria, VA at ASTA’s headquarters. Candidates must be available to attend an ASTA meeting, dependent upon the internship term: Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference (January/February); Leadership Summit (June); Field Crop Seed Convention (December).

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 Conference Support
  • Assist with pre-conference logistics and marketing
  • 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

Internship Position #3: Seed Trade Policy*

This position may be based remotely or in-person at ASTA’s Alexandria, VA headquarters. If available, candidates will attend an ASTA meeting, dependent upon the internship term: Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference (January/February); Leadership Summit (June); Field Crop Seed Convention (December).

Key duties/job functions include:

• Data Analysis and Reporting
  • Provide analysis of recent USDA reports on concentration and competition in the seed sector
  • Provide analysis of seed trade data to support ASTA international programs
  • Develop analytics demonstration grower ROI for seed, contribution of seed improvement to productivity and sustainability metrics (land use, yield, etc) over time
• Monitor Administration Activity
  • Participate and monitor Agency briefings and stakeholder events
• Support ASTA Trade Policy Efforts
  • Support ASTA staff on the activities of ASTA committees and working groups as assigned
  • Help with policy research on key issues, including issues pertaining to USTR’s trade policy agenda
• If appropriate, ASTA conference support
  • Assist with pre-conference logistics
  • Attend the conference and provide on-site support as assigned
  • Participate in relevant student programming

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 info@betterseed.org with the subject “Internship Application.” Please specify the internship position for which you are applying, including the term (Spring/Summer/Fall). For questions and additional information, please call (703) 837-8140.

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.

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ASTA is an equal opportunity employer and employment decisions at ASTA will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. ASTA does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth and its related medical conditions, marital status, military service or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinances. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, and termination, access to benefits and training, and general treatment during employment.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement