Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly wage

Mileage reimbursement

Drone license reimbursement

Intern incentives

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative in the United States is seeking Crop Technician Interns to perform crop diagnostics across the growing season, including scouting fields, collecting tissue samples, soil moisture probing, soil sampling, UAV flights, and supporting timely, informed agronomic decisions. You will travel territory-wide, spend most time in the fields, and participate in weekly development activities.

Enrolled students in agronomy or related programs are encouraged to apply; a valid driver's

Qualifications

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions.
• Above-average organizational skills and quick learner.
• Complete work with little supervision and in a timely manner.
• Agronomy student preferred; others with agronomy interest considered.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and reliable vehicle.
• Ability to use an iPad, GPS software, and field equipment.

Responsibilities

• Scouting: create reports identifying weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages, stand counts, and field anomalies.
• UAV Flights: use drones to observe fields, produce imagery, and collect data.
• Tissue Sampling: collect corn or soybean tissue and prepare for testing.
• Soil Moisture Probing: perform moisture tests and report data; install monitoring equipment.
• Soil Sampling: collect soil nitrate samples to monitor in-season nutrients.
• Field Signs: organize, place, and remove field signs.
• Travel: 100% travel in territory; 75% in fields, 25% in training/events.
• Weekly development activities: participate in ongoing learning.

Skills

Outdoor work

Organization

Self-motivated

Agronomy student

Driver's license

GPS software

Field equipment

Education

Currently enrolled in accredited college/university

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

• 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.