Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative; Hagerstown (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Drone license education reimbursement

Intern incentives

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative is seeking Crop Technician Interns to perform crop diagnostics, scouting, and data collection throughout the growing season. The role involves UAV flights, tissue and soil sampling, and field observations to support timely decisions.

Interns will travel across the territory, work mostly in fields, and participate in weekly development activities. Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university with an interest in agronomy.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to learn quickly with minimal supervision.
• Agronomy students preferred; others with genuine interest in agricultural field are considered.
• Must have a valid driver's license, good driving record, and reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Scouting: create reports identifying weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages, and stand counts.
• UAV flights: operate drones to observe fields and collect imagery/data.
• Tissue sampling: collect corn/soybean tissue for testing.
• Soil moisture probing: conduct tests and report results to Ag Tech team.
• Soil sampling: collect soil nitrate samples to monitor nutrient availability.
• Place and remove field signs as needed.
• Travel 100% within territory; 75% in fields, 25% training/trips.
• Participate in weekly professional development activities.

Skills

Outdoor work

Organizational skills

Self-motivated

Interest in agronomy

Driver's license

GPS software

Education

Currently enrolled in accredited college or university

Tools

iPad

GPS software

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.