GROWMARK Exploring Agriculture Agronomy Operations Intern - Gateway FS - Baldwin, IL

FS; Baldwin (IL); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Job summary

Gateway FS is offering a Summer 2027 Exploring Agriculture internship in Illinois. The intern will learn agronomy fundamentals, work with field operations, and gain hands-on experience under supervision at various FS locations in the gateway network.

Applicants must be pursuing a degree, be in good academic standing, and be willing to travel. The role includes 9–10 weeks of commitment and may require some overnight travel in a cooperative agronomy setting.

Qualifications

• Must be pursuing a degree or certification and in good academic standing at time the internship begins.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel, with potential Class B Non-CDL requirements.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on experience in agronomy field and operations.
• Assists with facility and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Visits FS locations and customers, building professional relationships.
• Operates field research and crop monitoring equipment for scouting.
• Applies crop nutrition and crop protection products.
• Gains understanding of ordering, receiving, and inventory control.

Job description

SALARY:

$18/hour

BENEFITS:

We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees and encourage our interns to start planning for retirement early by offering them the opportunity to participate in our 401(k) plan.

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

Purpose And Summary Statement:

Serves as the GRWOMARK Exploring Agriculture Agronomy Operations Intern at Gateway FS under the direction of location management for the Summer of 2027. Trains and assists with general agronomy functions to learn the foundation of the FS and GROWMARK System, the agriculture industry, and to prepare for a future career.

Essential Job Functions:

• Hands-on experience in agronomy field and operations.
• Assists with facility and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Visits FS locations and customers building professional relationships.
• Operates field research and crop monitoring equipment and technology for scouting.
• Applies crop nutrition and crop protection products.
• Gains understanding and experience with ordering, receiving, and inventory control.

Other Job Functions:

• Follows GROWMARK's Code of Conduct and Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Must be pursuing a degree or certification from a community college, technical college or university and in good academic standing at time the internship begins, with preferred candidates going into their first or second year of college at the time of the internship.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrates essential abilities including communication, customer focus, decision making, and skill development.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record, along with willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel.
• Must have, or be able to successfully obtain, a Class B Non-CDL license and maintain eligibility to operate company vehicles.
• Ability to lift up to 70 pounds and work in varying weather conditions, as well as working at various heights or elevated platforms.
• Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK's policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

Program Requirements:

• Participates in all Exploring Agriculture Internship Program activities.
• Ability to work a minimum of 9-10 weeks over the Spring or Summer season.

Attends One Required GROWMARK Internship Event:

• May 17-18, 2027: Orientation Meeting (Bloomington, IL)

Other Program Activities:

• Submits weekly activity reports.
• Focuses on an operational project to improve efficiencies for the business.

WHY JOIN US:

Gain hands-on experience in agronomy operations while exploring career opportunities within the FS and GROWMARK System. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, build industry connections, develop practical skills, and complete meaningful projects that prepare you for a future career in agriculture.

EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Background Checks:

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.