How to Find a Summer Job in Agriculture

Under the best possible circumstances, finding the summer job you want can be a daunting proposition. Agricultural jobs with a future are not widely available. Preplanning and research is necessary in any job search and even more necessary when you are looking for a specialized occupation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Do your research. Jobs in this field are particularly hard to come by. Check the Internet for Web sites that can help. Make sure to take these steps well in advance.
2. Decide what area you would prefer to work in. When you are researching this field you will find that agriculture can encompass many different areas. Such as watersheds, forestry, wildlife protection and propagation as well as many other things.
3. Create a professional and error free resume and cover letter. Your high school or college will have a job counseling service that can help you with building an attractive, professional resume and cover letter. This service is free and well worth the time and effort needed to take advantage of it. Don’t let your application be one of the first filled in the back of the filing cabinet because it was not up to par with those that did take advantage of these services.
4. While you wait for a response you may want to practice interviewing with a friend or family member. Try to imagine what the organization will ask someone applying for the position you desire. If you happen to know someone that is or has worked for them ask them about their interview experience.
5. Your interview is your last chance at the job. Be professional, prepared and put together. Even if you are asked to interview via telephone, fix your hair and dress nicely for the interview. This will put you in a more professional frame of mind. Also, it is a fact that when we look our best we behave using our best manners and speech patterns.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also contact the United States Environmental Protection Agency and ask for their list of ‘Community Programs’ for summer jobs. To qualify for these summer programs you must be a current student or high school graduate that will be returning to school within nine months of the start of the start of the job or internship. You must also be either a United States citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• ECO offers its associates credits for learning done through the programs it offers. Make sure that you take advantage of this benefit by asking whenever you apply for one of the jobs posted with them. You can also contact the ECO Academic Program Division and ask them which positions will earn credits toward your education.