Internship Type: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship
Start Date: Week of March 2, 2026
Eligibility: Open to current undergraduate or graduate students and individuals ages 18–24, regardless of enrollment status
Preferred Majors: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Organization Overview
Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN) envisions a thriving sustainable food system in Alabama. We are a farmer-centered organization welcoming all who wish to implement, expand, and support sustainable agricultural practices in the state of Alabama. We prioritize the perspectives of BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented farmers who root their livelihoods in sustainable agriculture.
ASAN coordinates knowledge sharing, builds resources, and strengthens networks of sustainable farmers and local food advocates to deepen the relationship between the people of Alabama, the food we eat, and the land.
Position Overview
ASAN is seeking a motivated GIS student intern to lead the development of an interactive digital map highlighting sustainable farms across Alabama. The project will identify and visualize farms practicing various forms of sustainable agriculture—such as organic production, regenerative methods, permaculture, silvopasture, and agroecology—categorized by their primary growing practices.
Working closely with ASAN staff, the intern will gather, organize, and analyze geographic and agricultural data to create an accessible, user-friendly online tool that supports consumers, farmers, educators, and advocates in understanding and connecting with Alabama’s sustainable food systems.
This internship offers an opportunity to apply GIS skills to a real-world project that advances environmental stewardship, local food access, and sustainable agriculture in Alabama.
Goal: Increase visibility and accessibility of sustainable agriculture in the state.
Activities
- Collect, verify, and organize data on sustainable farms across Alabama using public databases, ASAN resources, and direct outreach.
- Collaborate with ASAN staff and partner organizations to determine data categories, visual design, and user functionality.
- Prepare documentation describing data sources, mapping methodology, and recommendations for ongoing updates and improvements.
- Present findings and the completed map to ASAN staff and stakeholders at the end of the internship.
Measure for Success
Completion and functionality of an interactive, publicly accessible map that accurately represents sustainable farms across Alabama and effectively categorizes them by growing practices.
Knowledge & Skills Expected to be Gained
- Data collection and management skills, including cleaning, categorizing, and integrating spatial datasets.
- Web mapping and visualization techniques, including design for accessibility and usability.
- Understanding of sustainable agriculture systems in Alabama and how different practices contribute to ecological and community resilience.
- Professional collaboration and communication experience through engagement with ASAN staff, farmers, and community partners.
- Project management skills, including planning, documentation, and presenting outcomes to a non-technical audience.
Compensation & Qualifications
Compensation is $15 per hour for undergraduate interns and $18 for graduate interns, not to exceed a total of $2,250/undergraduate or $2,700/graduate per semester. Interns are not eligible for benefits. This internship is remote, so a reliable internet connection is required.
To Apply: Please fill out this application by January 21, 2026
This internship is funded by
