Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative, Inc.; Coldwater (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay

Mileage reimbursement

Drone license reimbursement

Intern incentives

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative, Inc. is seeking a Crop Technician Intern to support crop diagnostics throughout the growing season. You will scout fields, collect tissue samples, perform soil moisture probes, and assist with UAV flights to gather data for timely decisions.

This internship requires working outdoors in various weather, carrying out field tasks, and reporting observations to the Ag Tech team. A valid driver's license and ability to travel within the territory are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to learn quickly.
• Self-motivated with minimal supervision and timely completion of tasks.

Responsibilities

• Scout fields and create scouting reports identifying weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages, stand counts, and field anomalies.
• Conduct UAV flights to observe fields, capture imagery, and collect data.
• Collect corn or soybean tissue samples and prepare for testing.
• Perform soil moisture probing and report data to the Ag Tech team; install moisture monitoring equipment.
• Collect soil samples for nitrate testing to monitor in-season nutrient availability.
• Organize and manage field signs for accurate field representation.

Skills

Outdoor work

Organizational skills

Self-motivation

Driving license

iPad & GPS use

Education

College student in agronomy (preferred)

Tools

GPS software

Field equipment

iPad

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.