GROWMARK Exploring Agriculture Agronomy Operations Intern - GRAINCO FS - Ottawa, IL

GRAINCO FS, Inc.; Ottawa (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Job summary

GROWMARK Exploring Agriculture Internship Program offers hands-on agronomy experience, working under location management to learn the foundations of the system and the industry, preparing for a future career.

You will support field operations, equipment maintenance, field scouting with crop monitoring tech, and customer relations across FS locations. The internship emphasizes safety, training, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree or certification from a college or university in good academic standing.
• Ability to obtain CDL and commercial applicator’s license with endorsements, driving record and medical card.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
• Must maintain valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Willingness to travel independently and overnight as needed.
• Lift up to 70 pounds and work in varying weather and at heights.
• Willingness to participate in required training related to policies and position.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on experience in agronomy field and operations.
• Assist with facility and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Visit FS locations and customers, building professional relationships.
• Operate field research and crop monitoring equipment and technology for scouting.

Skills

Communication

Customer focus

Decision making

Skill development

Independent work

Education

Pursuing degree

Job description

SALARY: $15/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 Agronomy Operations intern under the direction of location management; trains and assists with general Agronomy functions to learn the foundation of the System and industry and prepare for a future career.

Essential Job Functions

• Hands-on experience in agronomy field and operations.
• Assist with facility and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Visit FS locations and customers building professional relationships.
• Operate field research and crop monitoring equipment and technology for scouting.
• Apply crop nutrition and crop protection products.
• Gain 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.
• Must have ability to obtain a CDL and commercials applicator’s license with required endorsements, a satisfactory driving record, and valid medical card.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently.
• Demonstrates essential abilities including communication, customer focus, decision making, and skill development.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
• Must be able to travel independently and overnight when necessary.
• 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

Participate in all Exploring Agriculture Internship Program activities.

Attend One Required Internship Event

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

Submit weekly activity reports.

Focus on an operational project to improve efficiencies for the business.

What You’ll Be Doing

If you enjoy being outside and are interested in gaining hands-on Agronomy experience, then we can’t wait to talk to you! We are looking for an Exploring Agriculture Agronomy Operations Intern who is eager to go above and beyond to help our customers. A few key areas of emphasis include:

• Operate field research and crop monitoring equipment and technology for scouting.
• Assist with facility and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Visit FS locations and customers, building professional relationships.

What You Bring To The Table

You are pursuing a degree or certification from a community college, technical college, or university.

You are in good academic standing.

What We Bring To The Table

We value relationships and people first and foremost.

We are a company that is committed to being an innovation leader in the agriculture industry.

We emphasize sustainability practices and stewardship of our resources.

We enjoy access to in-house training and leadership development opportunities.

What You Didn’t Know About Us

The GROWMARK Exploring Agriculture Internship Program is in its 14th year. The program has given students the opportunity to explore career paths and develop professionally; many of whom still call the GROWMARK System “home” today!

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.

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.