CSWCD 2026 Summer Internship

Position: Environmental Technician Intern

Location: 1834-B South Lincoln Ave., Salem, OH 44460

Reports to: Pete Conkle, District Administrator

Duration: May-August 2026*

Hours: up to 30 hours/week

Compensation: $15/hour

About Columbiana Soil & Water Conservation District:

Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) was formed as a resource for County residents to conserve, protect, and enhance soil, water, and land resources.

The district is a sub-department of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and is governed by a 5-member board of locally elected officials. These officials live in Columbiana County and are familiar with the County’s resources and needs. Ohio’s 88 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) have been working for 75 years to provide locally driven solutions to natural resource concerns in both rural and urban settings.

Position Overview:

Columbiana Soil & Water Conservation District is seeking two qualified candidates to intern for the summer of 2026. Each position is $15/hour for up to 30 hours/week. A qualified candidate has an interest in and is pursuing a degree in environmental conservation or related field. While field experience is a plus, it is not necessary to apply for this position. The start and end date of this position are flexible with the applicant’s school schedule. *

Please send your resume and cover letter to Pete Conkle (pete.conkle@oh.nacdnet.net) by Friday, March 27, 2026. Physical resumes can be mailed or dropped off at our office at 1834-B South Lincoln Ave., Salem, OH 44460. For more information, please contact Pete Conkle via email or phone at (330)-277-2974.

Responsibilities Include:

Soil Testing Program – Columbiana SWCD

• Collaborate with farmers to coordinate soil testing for selected fields.

• Utilize aerial maps to accurately locate and identify field boundaries.

• Collect and submit soil samples to designated laboratories for analysis.

• Deliver soil test results and provide interpretation to participating farmers.

Support for USDA Farm Bill Programs – Columbiana SWCD

• Accompany Columbiana SWCD Staff on field visits to meet with local producers and discuss land management goals and potential cost-share opportunities.

• Assist staff in site surveys to analyze pertinent information for conservation planning.

• Develop conservation plans tailored to address the specific resource concerns of each landowner.

• Conduct verification and spot checks on implemented conservation practices funded through USDA cost-share programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Education and Outreach

• Promote awareness of Columbiana SWCD programs through community outreach and education initiatives.

• Guide clients to appropriate programs and corresponding departments based on the client’s needs.

Wildlife, Watershed and Forestry

• Assist the Wildlife/Forestry Specialist in evaluating wildlife-related crop damage and issuing appropriate permits to affected landowners.

• Assist the Wildlife/Forestry Specialist in the management of wildlife habitats and invasive species control on properties under the cooperative agreement of Columbiana SWCD.

• Support the Little Beaver Creek Watershed Coordinator with stream assessments by conducting biological and habitat evaluations, including the collection and identification of macroinvertebrates.

• Assist the Little Beaver Creek Watershed Coordinator in the implementation of H2Ohio programs within the district. 

• Assist the Wildlife/Forestry Specialist in the evaluation of properties enrolled in the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program within the county.