Agricultural & Standards Unpaid Student Internship

The Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner's Office invites motivated college and university students to apply for an unpaid internship program designed to provide hands-on experience in agricultural regulation, environmental protection, and consumer affairs. 

This internship offers a unique opportunity to explore Riverside County's diverse agricultural industry, understand its regulatory framework, and learn how county government protects public health, natural resources, and economic stability. Interns will gain exposure to careers in agriculture, environmental science, entomology, and public administration. 

Interns will be placed at one of three district offices—Riverside, San Jacinto, or Indio—and participate in three main components: office operations, agricultural fieldwork, and weights and measures fieldwork. This work will include learning administrative functions such as data entry, record-keeping, permit documentation, and pesticide use reporting. The intern will also participate in ride-alongs with licensed Agricultural and Standards Investigators, assist with pest detection programs and inspections, accompany investigators during inspections of commercial devices (e.g. fuel dispensers, retail scales, etc.); observing procedures for package accuracy, labeling compliance, and scanner price verification. 

A student participating in the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner's Office internship will gain a well-rounded understanding of how local government supports and regulates agriculture, consumer protection, and environmental stewardship. This hand-on experience connects academic learning with real-world applications across multiple disciplines. 


Under supervision, assists and participates in the work performed by employees of a specific profession; Through participation, receives supervised work experience in a specific professional vocation, and performs other related duties as required.

What the intern can expect to gain through their internship with the Agricultural Commissioner Department:

• Learn how local agencies enforce laws related to pest management and crop protection
• Gain insight into environmental stewardship practices and invasive species control
• Contribute to critical departmental programs that protect and promote Riverside County's agricultural industry
• Get hands-on exposure to key local crops such as citrus, grapes, dates, and vegetables
• Understand the importance of metrological testing and enforcement in ensuring consumer protection and marketplace fairness
• Develop practical administrative skills, including data entry, record keeping, and permit processing
• Strengthen communication, teamwork, and analytical abilities
• Explore career paths in agriculture, environmental science, and public service
  

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average: 2.5 GPA required. Proof of most current unofficial/official transcript with cumulative GPA must be provided at time of application as well as a resume.

Education: Applicants must be currently enrolled/attending school at an accredited college or university in a Bachelor's degree program. 

Areas of Study: Physical or Natural Science, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Math.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Enrolled in an accredited university pursuing a degree in agriculture, plant, or environmental science, biology, chemistry, public policy, or other related field. 
• Ability to commit to the agreed-upon internship schedule. 
• Possession of a valid California driver's license

Additional Desired Candidate Qualifications:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Genuine interest in public service, regulatory compliance, agriculture, or environmental systems
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying field conditions
• Bilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish
• Relevant coursework or experience in agriculture, environmental science, entomology, public policy, or GIC is highly desirable

**All applicants are required to include a resume and most recent unofficial/official transcript. Document(s) must be uploaded as attachments at time of application to be considered.**