Analyst (Intern)
Join an innovative company that serves the sustainable agriculture sector. Mercaris provides rigorous data and analytics, and a cash market trading platform for agricultural commodities that are organic, non-GMO, or are otherwise identity-preserved. We create new information and procurement tools for the agricultural supply chain; from farm to retail, and we’re looking for talented, mission-oriented folks to join us.
Duties
The Analyst will be responsible for assisting with a wide range of data product development, conducting research for specific initiatives related to our current work and product expansion, and interacting with current customers and even potential customers. A typical week might include analyzing price & volume data from our national grain survey, researching new agricultural commodity markets conducting research for special ad hoc projects, and calling grain handling facilities to better understand the work they are doing. Even as an intern, your ideas and work will have a direct impact on the company’s success. Specific tasks will include:
- Assist Senior Economist on research into identity-preserved crops & commodities that we may be able to add to our data portfolio;
- Write articles, summaries that explain underlying economic fundamentals of cash prices for IP grains & oilseeds;
- Assist on new product development for cost-of-production and other analysis for the sector;
- Monitor trends in IP markets to understand both supply and demand drivers, and provide analysis and statistics as needed. If/when needed, creating PowerPoint presentations to show price trends for organic and non-GMO grains;
- Work with the Director of Member Relations to answer customer questions and provide specific analysis as needed;
- Lead annual update efforts for our Asset Map/Facilities tool, which involves talking directly with first handlers and elevators.
Qualifications
- Familiarity with economic concepts relevant to commodity markets;
- Excellent writing skills to translate economic concepts in a way that is easily understood by non-economists;
- Willingness to learn about organic commodity markets and apply economic theory in a practical way
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- Solid time-management and follow-through skills, with the ability to simultaneously work on and manage multiple tasks and projects with tight deadlines;
- The ideal candidate is pursuing a master’s degree in economics, agricultural economics, natural resource economics, or a related field.
Salary & Benefits: Interns will be paid an hourly rate of $15/hour, for up to 40 hours per week of work.
Location: Silver Spring, MD (DC Metro area)
Apply: Send resume and cover letter to mercaris@mercaris.com. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. A full-time position may be available upon successful completion of internship.