Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative in Rochester, NY is offering a Crop Technician Intern position to support crop diagnostics through the growing season. You will scout fields, collect tissue samples, perform soil moisture probing, and assist with UAV flights.

The role emphasizes hands-on field work, travel within the territory, and learning from the Ag Tech team. Current students in agronomy or related fields with a valid driver's license are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in accredited college or university.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and reliable vehicle.
• Agronomy students preferred, however any student with a genuine interest in working in the agricultural/agronomy field is considered.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time and under all weather conditions.
• Ability to use an iPad, GPS software, and field equipment.

Responsibilities

• Scouting fields and reporting observations to Ag Tech team.
• UAV flights: utilize drones to make aerial observations, produce imagery, and collect data.
• Tissue sampling and soil moisture probing in designated fields.
• Soil sampling and field sign management.
• 100% travel in territory; 75% in fields, 25% in training/tours/events.
• Weekly professional development activities.

Skills

Outdoor endurance

Organizational skills

Self-motivation

Agronomy interest

Driver's license

Data collection

Education

Currently enrolled in accredited college/university

Tools

iPad

GPS software

Field equipment

Job description

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 to

• Scouting: 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.