Ensuring the sustainability of programs like ACAP and the resilience of agricultural systems depends on engaging new talent to sustain and also enhance the ag conservation professional workforce.
Recruiting
CACAT and the SCC have collaborated with partner ag conservation employers at six career fairs aimed at college and high school students in agricultural, earth science, and engineering pathways.
Open jobs in Ag Conservation at districts and partner organizations are promoted through the CACAT website and newsletter, emailed directly to a growing list of students who have expressed interest, and are on LinkedIn.
Undergraduate Engagement
Student interns have the opportunity to work with CACAT and partner with conservation districts during spring and fall semesters and during summer breaks.
The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences is excited to partner with ACAP to launch two new undergraduate courses for the future agricultural conservation professional community.
ABSM 325: Conservation-related agricultural structures (starting in fall of 2025) will delve into the expanding importance of sustainable agriculture, focusing on the planning of agricultural structures that can improve livestock and crop management, reduce soil erosion and runoff, and protect stream quality.
ABSM 326: Conservation and management practices in agriculture and natural resources (starting in spring 2026) will provide a foundation for understanding natural resource challenges with a specific focus on water and soil. Students will learn to inventory resource challenges on farms using aerial photos, GIS tools, and other digital resources and real-world visits, identify various best management practices (BMPs) to address the resource challenges, and understand how to properly plan the practices.
