Regenerative Grazing Open Air Lab Internship

The Regenerative Grazing Open Air Lab (R-GOAL) Internship at Zintellect offers a unique opportunity to support the U.S. Army's regenerative agriculture program at Camp San Luis Obispo, CA. Interns will engage in on-site implementation, policy research, data management, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance soil health and biodiversity. The role includes hands-on experience in adaptive multi-paddock grazing and preparing presentations for military audiences. This part-time, 9-month internship is ideal for those interested in environmental policy and regenerative practices.
The Regenerative Grazing Open Air Lab (R-GOAL) Internship offers an exciting opportunity to support the U.S. Army's first regenerative agriculture program, currently piloted at Camp San Luis Obispo, CA. The R-GOAL project integrates adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing, soil health management, and habitat restoration to enhance soil carbon sequestration, water retention, and biodiversity. This initiative aims to improve land resilience, bolster military readiness, and promote environmental stewardship, serving as a model for scaling regenerative practices across military installations nationwide.

What will I be doing and why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will join the R-GOAL team in supporting various project aspects, from on-site implementation to policy development and briefings, depending on your location. For policy research, you will explore existing laws, military guidelines, and environmental regulations related to regenerative agriculture. You will assist in drafting tailored policy recommendations, reports, and implementation strategies for military bases to align regenerative practices with Department of Defense (DoD) environmental and readiness standards. You will also participate in virtual meetings with military and environmental stakeholders to incorporate valuable feedback into policy proposals and implementation plans, building skills in collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Data management and reporting are crucial aspects of this internship. You will have the opportunity to maintain detailed records of research findings, policy drafts, and data analysis to assist in preparing regular progress reports and project updates. These updates will help ensure that all findings and recommendations are clearly communicated to R-GOAL’s project stakeholders. For interns based in or near San Luis Obispo, the role includes hands-on involvement in AMP grazing operations, where you will learn about and assist with livestock management, monitor soil health indicators, biodiversity, and water infiltration, and analyze data to evaluate the impacts of regenerative practices on military land.

Additionally, you will be involved in briefing and presentation support, helping prepare and deliver concise, engaging presentations for military audiences to convey R-GOAL’s objectives, methods, and ongoing progress. Collaborating closely with the R-GOAL team, you will help ensure that all updates and recommendations are aligned with military requirements and resonate with leadership priorities. This internship provides hands-on experience in both fieldwork and policy development, preparing you for a future at the intersection of environmental policy and regenerative agriculture within military or governmental contexts.

Where will I be located?

Location varies.

What is the anticipated start date?

NPS is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a 9-month, part-time research appointment with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the provisions?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by NPS. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:
• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About NPS

The mission of the Naval Postgraduate School provides relevant and advanced educational and research experience to commissioned officers of the Naval Service to increase their combat effectiveness and enhance the security of the United States. In support of this mission as well as to sustain academic excellence, NPS and the U.S. Department of the Navy (DoN) foster and encourage an academic program of relevant and meritorious naval research. NPS research supports the needs of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Defense while also building the intellectual capital of Naval Postgraduate School.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.