Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative, Inc.; Attica (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative, Inc. seeks a Crop Technician Intern to support crop diagnostics, field scouting, tissue sampling, soil moisture probing, and UAV data collection for the growing season.

Interns travel within the territory (100%), spending 75% in fields and 25% in training and events. Enrollment in an accredited college is required; a valid driver's license and reliable vehicle are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Agronomy students preferred, however any student with interest in agricultural field is considered.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.
• Ability to use an iPad, GPS software, and field equipment.

Responsibilities

• Scout fields and create scouting reports identifying weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages, stand counts, and anomalies.
• Perform UAV flights to collect data and imagery for the Ag Tech team.
• Collect corn or soybean tissue samples and prepare for testing.
• Perform soil moisture probing and soil sampling; report data to the Ag Tech team.
• Place and remove field signs and assist with field observations.

Job description

Position Overview:

Crop Technician Interns perform various crop diagnostic jobs throughout the growing season. These activities include but are not limited to scouting fields, collecting tissue samples, soil moisture probing, soil sampling, performing UAV flights, and assisting with field signs. Crop Technician Interns play an important role in the services offered by Keystone Cooperative to make timely, informed, and economic decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Include but are not limited toScouting: Create scouting reports that identify weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages, stand counts, and any other field anomalies. Report observations back to Ag Tech team.

• UAV Flights: Utilize drones to make aerial observations, produce imagery, and collect data.
• Tissue Sampling: Collect corn or soybean tissue and prepare for testing.
• Soil Moisture Probing: Perform soil moisture tests in designated fields and report data back to Ag Tech team. Install moisture monitoring equipment used to make watering recommendation on irrigated field.
• Soil Sampling: Soil nitrate sample collection used to monitor in-season nutrient availability.
• Field Signs: Organize, place, and remove field signs.

100% travel in territory. 75% in fields, 25% in training/tours/events. Flexible work schedule. Weekly professional development activities.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time and under all weather conditions.
• Above average organizational skills, ability to understand new concepts, and learn quickly.
• Complete work with little or no supervision in a timely manner; self-motivated.
• Agronomy students preferred, however any student with a genuine interest in working in the agricultural/agronomy field is considered.
• Must have a valid driver's license, good driving record, and reliable vehicle.
• Ability to use an iPad, GPS software, and field equipment.

Compensation:

Hourly (Competitive Wage). Mileage Reimbursement following IRS Standard Rate. Drone License education and exam fee reimbursement. Incentives/Awards for interns who complete internship.

Education and Experience:

Currently enrolled in accredited college or university.