Find answers to common questions about eligibility, experience, logistics, research goals, and what to expect during the TSIP internship.
The Soil Inventory Project
The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) Internship
The Covey Lab at Skidmore College hosts competitive summer research internships in collaboration with The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) and various partners across the country. Past TSIP interns have worked with cattle ranches in Texas, vineyards in California, Caney Fork Farm in Tennessee, solar fields in Colorado and Florida, and BIPOC farmers in the Hudson Valley. TSIP summer interns will conduct soil carbon research, planning and executing a soil sampling campaign primarily in teams of two. Depending on the internship partner, additional educational opportunities may be available such as working with professionals, contributing to research projects, or gaining agricultural skills. Students may have the option to perform data analysis on their soil samples after returning to campus through independent study experiences.
Internship logistics
Internships are offered as five- and 10-week continuous programs starting in late May and early June. Students will receive a one-time stipend at the beginning of their internship to cover work compensation, food, and travel expenses (excluding rental cars, which are covered separately as needed). Ten-week interns will receive a taxable $6,000 stipend, and five-week interns will receive a $3,000 stipend (students will receive a 1099). Students will be expected to work 35- to 40-hour weeks.
Internship locations
Ocean Hour Farm
The Ocean Hour Farm (OHF) internship is a five-week position in Newport, Rhode Island. OHF is a regenerative farm that serves as a hub of education, research, and regenerative agriculture for their community. OHF is interested in land-water connections and how regenerative management impacts soil health. Student interns will conduct a soil sampling campaign for carbon and soil health analysis, assist with trace gas analysis (CO2, N2O, CH4), and work with OHF and TSIP staff to expand sampling campaigns throughout the region. The ideal candidates for this position are enthusiastic about community engagement and prepared to interact with local producers. Depending on farm needs and intern interests, students may have additional projects or farm duties; the 2023 OHF interns completed independent projects on biodiversity and were responsible for putting the chickens in their mobile coop at sunset.
Caney Fork Farms
The Caney Fork Farms (CFF) internship is a 10-week position in Carthage, Tennessee. CFF is a regenerative farm that uses carbon farming techniques to inspire others with proof that organic farming benefits farmers, the community, and the environment. CFF has a robust research team and is used as a site for innovative agricultural research. Interns will spend six weeks conducting research on the farm, including a soil sampling campaign, Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV) monitoring, and chestnut tree monitoring. Interns will additionally work with the farm teams, spending two weeks working with livestock and two weeks in vegetable production. Skidmore students have been participating in the program for six years, contributing to a robust soil carbon dataset. Read more about CFF interns' experiences from 2020 and 2021.
Who is eligible?
Students enrolled at Skidmore College with an interest in agricultural climate mitigation, soil science, or land management.
How to apply
Fill out the application with personal information, applicable skills, and two short personal statements. Applications are open Feb. 23 and are due March 8.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, students of all majors are eligible.
No, previous fieldwork experience is preferred but not required.
International students are eligible but should be aware they are subject to federal
taxes. Up to 30% may be deducted from the award depending on country of citizenship
unless the United States has a treaty agreement with their home country stipulating
otherwise.
A TSIP week is a 35-40 hour work week where you can expect to manage your own time
to collect soil samples across a property. You will be in contact with landowners
as you navigate their lands. Some internships offered through this program provide
additional educational opportunities such as contact with professionals, data analysis,
or experience in agricultural settings.
You may express preferences in the application, though they are not guaranteed. TSIP’s
internship advisory team will review all applications and present candidates with
offers.
All locations typically provide onsite housing.
TSIP is building a national soil carbon inventory to deliver information about how
land management impacts carbon storage on large scales. Learn more about us and our
goals at tsip.org.
Because we use an external lab, soil carbon results are not available until weeks
to months after sampling. Students may have the option to conduct an independent research
study after returning to campus.
Have questions?
We're here to help! Please reach out with any questions and a member of the TSIP
team will get back to you.
E-mail the TSIP team