Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative, Inc.; Covington (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Drone license fee reimbursement

Intern incentives

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative, Inc. offers a Crop Technician Intern role focused on field scouting, tissue and soil sampling, UAV data collection, and agronomy support across actively managed crops. You will work with the Ag Tech team to inform timely, economical field decisions.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in an accredited program, capable of outdoor work in varying conditions, and comfortable using iPad, GPS, and field equipment while traveling the territory.

Qualifications

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills and quick learning ability.
• Self-motivation with minimal supervision and timely completion of tasks.

Responsibilities

• Scout fields and create reports identifying weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages, and anomalies.
• Use drones to conduct UAV flights, capture imagery, and collect data.
• Collect corn or soybean tissue and prepare samples for testing.
• Perform soil moisture probing and report findings to the Ag Tech team.

Skills

Outdoor work

Self-motivated

Organizational skills

Education

Currently 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

• 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.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs to keep you feeling your best.
• Financial Security: Competitive 401(k) with company match, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Generous time off with pay to recharge and spend with loved ones.
• Career Growth: Training, development opportunities, and tuition assistance to help you reach your goals.
• Employee Discounts & Perks: Exclusive savings and programs to make life outside of work even better.

Join a team that invests in you—personally and professionally!

Keystone Cooperative, Inc. is a 100% farmer-owned cooperative serving customers across Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois. Centered on the valued relationships that have built and grown the cooperative for 100 years, Keystone specializes in energy, agronomy, grain, animal nutrition, and swine production. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Keystone serves as a center point in local family farms and rural communities, ensuring today's successes and securing tomorrow's opportunities.