Production Research Internship

GDM Seeds Inc.; Warrensburg (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

GDM Seeds is seeking a Production Research Intern for a 12-week, on-site experience at our Foundation Seed Production facility in Decatur, Illinois. You will be a key member of the research team, tackling projects that influence GDM’s growing business.

You will learn production processes, gain guidance and feedback, and work cross-functionally to develop leadership and project management skills for a successful seed industry career.

Qualifications

• Prior internship or work experience highly desired
• Must be willing to relocate if not in the local area
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs
• Ability to walk fields
• Ability to work outdoors 60% of the time
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time
• Have a valid driver’s license and meet Motor Vehicle requirements

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience by collecting information and analyzing corn inbred lines, learning about integrated pest management, seed inventory, stand counts, flowering data, plant measurement and more.
• Develop relationships throughout the organization with multiple resource partners, cohorts, and leaders.
• Engage in a variety of impactful projects critical to the business and report results to leadership.
• Develop new and creative solutions to meet company and departmental goals.

Job description

4755 W Pershing Rd
Warrensburg, IL 62573, USA

Description

WHO WE ARE
GDM Seeds is a global leader in plant genetics, dedicated to transforming agriculture through technological innovation. With a continuous focus on research and development, we bring the most advanced and high‑performing seed varieties to the market, creating new growth opportunities for our partners and for the future of agribusiness.

Our North America portfolio includes leading brands like AgriGold®, DONMARIO®, Mustang™, PRIDE® Seeds, Revere®, and Virtue, supported by a network of research superstations, one of the largest corn genetic pools and the fourth-largest corn research program. Through our combined expertise, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering top-tier seed solutions to help farmers grow and succeed. GDM’s region-first brand model reinforces the company’s long-standing promise to deliver top-performing genetics and robust agronomic support - ensuring farmers have the right genetics, in the right place, at the right time.

OUR DNA

We are passionate about what we do and driven by curiosity. We believe that learning and innovation are the foundation for transforming the future of agriculture. Our focus is on cutting‑edge genetic development, creating solutions that make a difference in the field and in the global market.

Our DNA not only guides us but also connects us: we work with empathy, transparency, and respect, ensuring agile and flexible operations. Here, you are the protagonist of your career, because we believe every individual plays an essential role in building something greater.

If you are passionate about learning and want to be part of evolving agriculture, GDM is the right place for you!

Position Summary

We know interns are the next generation of innovators so we’re investing in them in a big way!

Our Production Research Internship is a 12-week interactive experience of discovery. You will work on site at our Foundation Seed Production facility located in Decatur, Illinois where you will be exposed to many parts of the business. What’s even cooler? As a key member of this research team, you will work on impactful projects critical to GDM’s growing business.

Here at GDM, you are empowered to learn our business that will set you up for success as you develop your career to become a successful seed professional. We are inviting forward thinking and courageous future leaders to embrace an entrepreneurial approach and start their journey of growth.

What to Expect?

In this 12-week developmental internship, you’ll hone important skills, such as presenting, networking, and project management. In addition, you will learn what it’s like to work in research and gain exposure to fundamental production processes. Throughout your internship, you’ll receive regular feedback, guidance and coaching to help you develop the skills you need to succeed. You will also have an opportunity to participate in cross‑functional job shadowing where you will learn different aspects of the business to further your knowledge even more!

What YOU will do:

• You will gain hands‑on experience by: collecting information and analyzing corn inbred lines, learning about integrated pest management, how to do seed inventory, stand counts, review flowering data, plant measurement and much more! This will deepen your knowledge and give you a more holistic view of the production research process!
• You will develop relationships throughout the organization with multiple resource partners, cohorts, and leaders. Building relationships is the core of what we do!
• Engage in a variety of impactful projects critical to the business. You will have an opportunity to develop and complete a project tailored to helping the company thrive and be innovative and report the results back to leadership. This will test your project management skills!
• Develop new and creative solutions to meet company and departmental goals. Innovation is what will make you stand out!

Who YOU are:

• Highly self‑motivated: You are eager to learn, ask questions and collaborate with others to learn our business
• Strong time management skills: You have the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and learn and adapt to various business areas
• Integrity: You are honest, ethical, and trustworthy.
• Agile: You are able to switch between departments and tasks quickly and easily
• Dependability: You are reliable, responsible and can be counted on
• Excellent Communication Skills: You are an effective communicator both in writing and speaking. You thrive with collaborating in a team setting
• Strong Work Ethic: You work hard and have a “get things done” mentality
• Professional attitude: You are professional and courteous.
• Great leadership qualities: You are willing to take charge and demonstrate your leadership skills, especially during assigned projects.

Qualifications AND Requirements:

• Prior internship or work experience highly desired
• Must be willing to relocate if not in the local area
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs
• Ability to walk fields
• Ability to work outdoors 60% of the time
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time
• Have a valid driver’s license and meet Motor Vehicle requirements

The payrate for this position is $20.00/hr

GDM is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply.

Learn more about us at gdmseeds.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GDMSeeds.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.