Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative; Marion (IN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Drone license education reimbursement

Intern incentives

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative invites applicants for Crop Technician Intern positions focused on crop diagnostics and field-based learning in Indiana. You will scout fields, collect tissue and soil samples, perform UAV flights, and support agronomy services across territory.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in an accredited college with an interest in agronomy, possess a valid driver’s license, and are comfortable working outdoors on varied terrain with a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• Able to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather
• Strong organizational skills and ability to learn quickly
• Independent work with minimal supervision
• Agronomy students preferred, others with agronomy interest considered
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, reliable vehicle
• Experience with iPad, GPS software, and field equipment helpful

Responsibilities

• Scouting: create reports on weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages and stand counts
• UAV Flights: operate drones for aerial observations and data collection
• Tissue Sampling: collect corn/soybean tissue and prepare for testing
• Soil Moisture Probing: conduct moisture tests and report data to Ag Tech team
• Soil Sampling: collect soil nitrate samples for in-season monitoring
• Field Signs: place and remove field signs
• Travel: 100% travel within territory
• Field time: 75% in fields, 25% in training/tours/events
• Participate in weekly professional development activities

Skills

Outdoor work

Organizational skills

Self-motivated

Agronomy interest

Valid driver’s license

iPad/GPS proficiency

Education

Currently enrolled in accredited college/university

Tools

GPS software

Field 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.