Intern - Crop Technician

Keystone Cooperative, Inc.; Sullivan (IN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Cooperative, Inc. is offering a Crop Technician Intern position in Indiana. The role involves field scouting, tissue sampling, UAV data collection, and soil moisture work to support agronomy services.

Interns travel 100% within the territory and participate in ongoing professional development. Ideal candidates are agronomy students with strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in college or university; agronomy preferred.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather.
• Strong organizational skills and self-motivation.
• Must have valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.
• Willing to travel 100% in territory.

Responsibilities

• Scouting: create reports identifying weeds, insects, diseases, growth stages, stand counts, and field anomalies; report observations to Ag Tech team.
• UAV flights: operate drones to collect imagery and data.
• Tissue sampling: collect corn or soybean tissue for testing.
• Soil moisture probing and soil sampling to guide irrigation and nutrient decisions.
• Place and remove field signs; assist Ag Tech team with observations.

Skills

Outdoor work

Self-motivation

Organizational skills

Quick learner

Valid driver's license

Education

Agronomy student

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.