Field Operations Intern

Expires on June 27, 2026

Internship Exploring General Business & Beyond

(Temporary Full-Time/40 hrs wk or Part-Time/20 hrs wk; estimated start date June 8, 2026 – Up to December 31, 2026)

Salary Information: A07, $2,550.00/MO (FT) and $1,275.00/MO (PT)

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Posting Number: 26-68656-1*

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s key objectives are to promote production agriculture, consumer protection, economic development and healthy living.

The Field Operations Intern will assist in conducting a variety of agricultural inspections administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and develop and/or disseminate education and outreach to contribute to the enforcement of agriculture laws and regulations for consumer protection in the State of Texas. You will work under close supervision with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Assist in conducting a variety of inspections administered by TDA, which may include some or all of the following areas:

• Conduct survey for pests in pastures and fields
• Inspect agricultural shipments at road station inspection locations for pests and diseases and enforce quarantine requirements
• Inspect nursery plants, trees and shrubs for disease and insects
• Inspect nursery stock and agricultural commodities leaving or entering the state and issue phytosanitary certificates
• Inspect pesticide licensees to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Monitor and enforce quarantines that may include the sweet potato weevil, fire ant, Japanese beetle, gypsy moth, etc
• Draw samples of pesticides for official analyses
• Collect and remit fees to include licensing and late fees and
• Issue stop sales orders, notices of seizure inspections and certificates of inspections for quarantine compliance
• Monitor compliance with the Texas Right-to-Know Law and Federal Worker Protection Standards, which involves providing education to agricultural producers, farm laborers, schools, medical and other emergency staff regarding the effects of and treatment for improper pesticide use
• Conduct compliance inspections of pesticide dealers’ records of pesticide distribution
• Conduct pesticide use observations
• Collect and ship food commodity samples for the food safety program
• Inspect a variety of records for structural pest control commercial and noncommercial businesses

Complete accurate, detailed reports related to inspections, travel vouchers and mileage reports; complete various weekly and end-of-month reports.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Enrollment in a college, university, or graduate program or a recent graduate with a minimum grade point average of 3.0*.

Completion of at least 30 credit hours*.

Required to travel up to 75% of the work period in the assigned area.

Valid Texas driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Enrollment in a college, university, or graduate program or a recent graduate with coursework in Agriculture or related.

Knowledge of office procedures; of spelling, punctuation, and grammar; and of business or program terminology, methods, and procedures.

Skill in the use of a computer and office equipment; and providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers.

Ability to prepare and maintain records, files, and reports; to transfer stock from one location to another; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and exercise sound judgment and discretion.

Requires working outdoors and exposure to extremes in temperatures (including high-low temperature changes and variable climatic conditions such as rain, fog, dust, fumes, gases, and odors); extensive moving and remaining stationary; walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; safely lifting and/or carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds; slippery and uneven walking surfaces operating heavy equipment/machinery; safely handling hazardous and/or flammable materials;

exposure to live insects and animals; and…