Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative, Inc.; Rochester (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Drone license education reimbursement

Intern incentives/awards

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative, Inc. is seeking Crop Technician Interns to perform crop diagnostics throughout the growing season. You will scout fields, collect samples, probe soils, and assist with UAV data collection to support timely, informed decisions.

The role emphasizes field work with 100% travel in territory, a flexible schedule, and weekly development activities. Open to currently enrolled students in agronomy or related programs.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Agronomy students preferred; others considered with interest in ag.
• Must have valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Ability to use GPS software and field equipment.

Responsibilities

• Scouting and reporting field observations.
• Conduct UAV flights and collect imagery.
• Tissue sampling and soil moisture probing.
• Soil sampling for nutrients; install monitoring equipment.
• Organize field signs and assist Ag Tech team.
• Travel 100% in territory; field-focused schedule.
• Weekly professional development activities.

Skills

Outdoor work

Organization

Self-motivated

Willingness to learn

Valid driver’s license

Interest in agronomy

Education

Enrollment in accredited college/university

Agronomy student preferred

Tools

GPS software

iPad

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.