Plant Health GIS Intern

Plant Health GIS Intern – Fall 2025

 

Location:On-Site – Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Start Date: September 1, 2025 
Duration: Until December 1, 2025 (possibility to be extended as mutually agreed)
Type: Paid Internship - $15/hour
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Hours: Flexible during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM)

About Us:
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) plays a vital role in promoting and protecting Ohio’s food supply, consumers, and the agricultural industry. Our Division of Plant Health houses the Grain Warehouse, Feed & Seed, Pesticide & Fertilizer Regulation, and Plant Pest Control sections, which are responsible for many consumer- and farmer-protections regulations. Staff members' duties include registering pesticides, licensing pesticide applicators, investigating pesticide use complaints, verifying label statements on feed and fertilizers, monitoring the financial stability of grain elevators, testing germination of packaged seeds, inspecting honeybee colonies, regulating plant nursery stock, and working with USDA-APHIS and the U.S. Forest Service to control invasive pest species. Our goal is to hold businesses which produce, process, and distribute plant-based agricultural products to high standards of integrity and safety.

What You’ll Do:

• Prepare, collect, organize and input data for pesticide and fertilizer related data. 
• Produce maps, spreadsheets, graphs, and other products.
• Provide customer service for Ohio users of the BeeCheck registry.
• Perform routine data management tasks, such as data validation and correction, queries and editing in GIS.
• Assist staff in the use of GIS software and the use of custom GIS applications.
• Assist with the collection and verification of Plant Health Division data using iPads and Field Maps.
• Assist all other Plant Health Division programs &/or other Department of Agriculture divisions as assigned.

What We’re Looking For:

• Currently enrolled with an accredited college or university.
• Candidates must have taken at least a basic GIS course (Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, etc.) OR have equivalent experience. 
• Desired major field(s) of study:  
  • Related physical or social science (geography or such as agriculture, biology, computer science, ecology, geology, natural resource management, planning, urban studies, or related major)
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience with:
  • GIS software
  • Working with databases to store and manage geospatial data
  • Designing and producing maps for various projects
  • Presenting findings and collaborating with team members
  • Addressing real-world challenges using GIS technology
  • Working with professionals from different disciplines
  • Learning how GIS is applied in agriculture and natural resource fields
• Building connections with professionals in the GIS field
• Mentorship from experienced GIS professionals
• Exposure to regulatory government offices and systems
• A resume-boosting opportunity in a mission-driven organization
• Potential for future opportunities within the state’s agricultural infrastructure