Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative, Inc.; Reynolds (IN); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 2,755,000; Part time

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative, Inc. is seeking a Crop Technician Intern to assist with crop diagnostics, scouting, tissue and soil sampling, UAV data collection, and field observations across a travel-heavy schedule.

The internship emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world decision support for growers. You will work outdoors in diverse conditions, utilize GPS and field equipment, and collaborate with the Ag Tech team to deliver timely insights and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Able to work outdoors for extended periods in varied weather.
• Strong organizational skills and quick learner.
• Capable of completing tasks with minimal supervision.
• Agronomy students preferred; others with relevant interest considered.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.
• Proficient with iPad, GPS software and field equipment.

Responsibilities

• Scouting and creating reports on weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages, and stand counts.
• Conduct UAV flights to collect imagery and data.
• Collect tissue samples and prepare for testing.
• Perform soil moisture probing and report data for irrigation decisions.
• Collect soil samples for nutrient monitoring; assist with soil nitrate sampling.
• Organize, place, and remove field signs; travel 100% within territory.

Skills

Outdoor work

Organizational skills

Self-motivated

Agronomy student

Driver's license

GPS/iPad usage

Education

Currently enrolled in accredited college or university

Tools

GPS software

Field equipment

iPad

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.