Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative, Inc.; Bainbridge (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Drone license reimbursement

Intern incentives

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative, Inc. is seeking a Crop Technician Intern to support field diagnostics and data collection across the growing season. You will perform scouting, tissue sampling, UAV flights, soil moisture probing, and soil sampling under supervision.

The role emphasizes hands-on outdoor work, use of iPad with GPS software, and field equipment with travel across the territory. Enrollment in a college program is required, with training opportunities and incentives for high performers.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Interest in agricultural/agronomy field is valued.
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle required.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Scouting: create reports identifying weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages, stand counts, and field anomalies.
• UAV Flights: operate drones to observe fields, capture imagery, and collect data.
• Tissue sampling: collect corn/soybean tissue for testing.
• Soil moisture probing: perform moisture tests and report data.
• Soil sampling: collect soil nitrate samples to monitor nutrients.
• Field signs: place and remove field signs.

Skills

Field work

Self-motivation

Organizational skills

Driver's license

Quick learner

Agronomy interest

Education

Enrolled in college/university

Tools

iPad

GPS software

Field equipment

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.