Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative, Inc.; Marion (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Drone license reimbursement

Intern incentives

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative, Inc. in Indiana is seeking a Crop Technician Intern to support crop diagnostics during the growing season. You will scout fields, collect tissue samples, perform soil tests, and assist with UAV flights, contributing to timely, economical decisions for growers.

The internship emphasizes field work (100% travel in territory), with 75% in fields and 25% in training/events, plus mileage reimbursement and potential drone-license reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to learn quickly.
• Self-motivated and able to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Agronomy students preferred; open to others with interest in agrocology.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and reliable vehicle.
• Ability to use iPad, GPS software, and field equipment.

Responsibilities

• Scouting: create reports identifying weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages, stand counts, and anomalies; report to Ag Tech team.
• UAV Flights: use drones to observe fields, capture imagery, and collect data.
• Tissue Sampling: collect corn or soybean tissue and prep for testing.
• Soil Moisture Probing: conduct moisture tests and report data; install monitoring equipment for irrigation decisions.
• Soil Sampling: collect soil nitrate samples to monitor in-season nutrient availability.
• Field Signs: place, organize and remove field signs.

Skills

Outdoor work

Organizational skills

Self-motivated

Agronomy interest

Valid driver’s license

GPS/iPad proficiency

Education

Currently enrolled in accredited college/university

Tools

iPad

GPS software

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 toScouting: 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.