ASTA has multiple paid internships available year-round (*unless indicated). 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. 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

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 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.

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.