Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative; Reynolds (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative in Indiana is seeking Crop Technician Interns to support crop diagnostics throughout the growing season. You will scout fields, collect tissue samples, perform soil moisture checks, and assist with UAV data collection.

The role involves 100% travel within the territory, 75% in fields and 25% in training or events, with a flexible schedule and weekly development activities. Enrolled college students with an interest in agronomy are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Able to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Experience with GPS or field equipment is a plus.
• Agronomy students preferred; others with interest considered.

Responsibilities

• Scout fields and create scouting reports identifying weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages, stand counts, and field anomalies.
• Conduct UAV flights to observe fields, generate imagery, and collect data.
• Collect corn or soybean tissue samples and prepare for testing.
• Perform soil moisture probing and report data to Ag Tech team; install monitoring equipment for irrigation decisions.
• Collect soil samples to monitor in-season nutrient availability.
• Organize, place, and remove field signs.
• Travel within the territory 100%.

Skills

Outdoor work

Organization

Self-motivated

Learn quickly

Agronomy interest

Driver's license

GPS/iPad use

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

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.