Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative; Kempton (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Drone license reimbursement

Intern incentives / awards

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative in Indiana seeks a Crop Technician Intern to support crop diagnostics throughout the growing season. You will scout fields, collect tissue samples, perform soil moisture probing, conduct UAV flights, and assist with field signs, helping the Ag Tech team make timely, informed decisions.

This internship offers hands-on experience in the agronomy field, requires travel within the territory, and includes ongoing professional development and incentives.

Qualifications

• Willingness to travel 100% within territory.
• Flexible work schedule and 75% field work.
• Agronomy students preferred; others with interest considered.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather.
• Strong organizational and self-motivated mindset.
• Must have valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Scout fields and report observations to the Ag Tech team.
• Perform UAV flights to observe and collect data.
• Collect crop tissue samples for testing.
• Conduct soil moisture probing and report results.
• Collect soil samples to monitor nutrient availability.
• Organize, place, and remove field signs.
• Participate in weekly professional development activities.

Skills

Outdoor work

Organizational skills

Self-motivation

Driver's license

GPS software

Field equipment operation

iPad usage

Agronomy interest

Education

Currently enrolled student

Tools

Drones/UAV

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.