Intern - Crop Technician

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

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Drone license education reimbursement

Incentives for interns

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative, Inc. offers a Crop Technician Intern role focused on crop diagnostics and fieldwork during the growing season.

The intern will scout fields, collect tissue samples, perform UAV flights, and assist with soil moisture and soil sampling while supporting the Ag Tech team. A valid driver’s license and GPS/iPad familiarity are preferred as travel is required across the territory.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in accredited college or university.
• Interest in agronomy or agricultural field preferred.
• Ability to operate GPS software and field equipment.

Responsibilities

• Scout fields and create reports for the Ag Tech team.
• Operate UAVs to observe fields and collect data.
• Collect corn/soybean tissue samples for testing.
• Perform soil moisture probing and soil sampling.
• Set up, organize, and remove field signs.
• Travel 100% within territory; 75% in fields, 25% training/tours/events.

Skills

Outdoor work

Organizational skills

Self-motivated

Driver's license

GPS proficiency

iPad usage

Education

Enrolled in accredited college

Tools

Drone 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.