SWCS offers several leadership opportunities for students and early career professionals.
Learn more about our programs below.
Science and Policy Student and Early Career Representatives
Why Join?
The SWCS Science and Policy Committee meets every month (virtually) to discuss the latest in conservation science and policy news and to soak up information from an invited speaker on conservation topics. Student and early career representatives are an integral part of these conversations and learning sessions and also gain access to conservation leaders from around the world. The committee typically has between 10 and 20 conservation professional members whose expertise ranges from soil health to water quality policy.
Who is Eligible to Join?
The committee is seeking a full or part-time student who is pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, as well as a conservation professional who is early in their career who is interested in learning more about soil and water conservation policy. The Student Representative and Early Career Representative serve from August 2025 through the spring of 2026. Both must be members of the Soil and Water Conservation Society – only $40 annually for students and $75 for early career members, and you can sign up today!
How to Apply
The application period for the 2025-26 Student Representative and Early Career Representative is now closed.
Student Summer Internship
Are you looking for a great resume-building project to show future employers? Want to be part of advancing an international organization with over 80 years of environmental impact? Would you like to use your creativity and test your project management skills while collaborating with a dynamic nonprofit team?
SWCS, in partnership with the Association of Retired Conservation Service Employees, has a summer Student Leader Project Intern program. Interns assist with a variety of organizational projects and take an active role in the SWCS annual conference in July.
Additionally, SWCS is offering a second internship for program support! Find out which opportunity is right for you.
Program Support Intern AnnouncementStudent Leader Project Intern Announcement
Applications are due by February 27, 2026.
SWCS Emerging Leaders Program
Start off your conservation career with support from SWCS. If you're in the first five years of your career, look into joining the new SWCS Emerging Leaders Program!
Student Chapter Leadership
Get valuable opportunities through your local student chapter.
Questions? Feel free to contact memberservices@swcs.org.