Retail Agronomy Internship - AgVantage FS - Thornton, IA

AgVantage FS; Thornton (IA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

In-house training

Job summary

AgVantage FS seeks an Agronomy Intern to gain hands-on field experience inspecting crops and supporting agronomy operations. You will work outdoors, collect data, and assist with reports for agronomy specialists and customers.

The role emphasizes learning field techniques, IPM methods, and building customer relationships while you develop hands-on agronomy skills with guided training opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Pursuing a degree in Agriculture.
• Ability to travel and lift up to 70 pounds as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate field inspection activities and document crop observations.
• Assist with facility and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Visit FS locations and customers to build professional relationships.

Skills

Agronomy knowledge

Field observation

Communication

Education

Pursuing degree in Agriculture

Tools

GPS technology

Job description

AgVantage FS is headquartered in Waverly, Iowa with branches in Northern and Eastern Iowa. AgVantage FS has about 400 employees (including seasonal workers) and approximately 23,000 customers. The cooperative does business in agronomy, energy, precision agronomy, and agri-finance. AgVantage FS is part of the GROWMARK System, an agricultural cooperative serving more than 100,000 customers across North America and Ontario, Canada.

Purpose And Summary Statement

Performs regular inspections of customer crop fields to monitor crop health and ongoing conditions and assists with general agronomy functions. Provides inspection reports and customer service in a timely and accurate manner to increase customer satisfaction and maintain the reputation and profitability of the organization.

Essential Job Functions

• Hands on-on experience in agronomy field and operations
• Assist with facility and equipment maintenance and repair
• Drives company vehicle to designated customer crop field locations.
• Inspects fields using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and GPS technology to identify weeds, insects, diseases, and other yield limiting threats.
• Documents and/or photographs all findings, completes inspection reports, and provides reports to agronomy specialist and customers.
• Discusses results with both the agronomy specialist and customers to answer additional questions and add value to the service.
• Attends scheduled technical training sessions and meetings
• Assists with additional agricultural retail operational duties as time allows

Other Job Functions

• Supports and contributes to total company goals and objectives through collaboration efforts.
• Responsible for operating and maintaining the assigned vehicle according to company standards, adheres to the uniform policy, and maintains the appropriate professional image.
• Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Requirements

Normally requires a high school diploma or the equivalent thereof and possess a basic understanding of production agriculture.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, a satisfactory driving record, and the ability to travel independently as needed.

Occasionally exposed or required to work in extreme weather conditions. (hot, cold, wet, etc.)

Frequently required to lift 51-70 pounds as needed

Must be able to walk crop fields and conduct visual inspections of crops.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

What You’ll Be Doing

If you enjoy being outside and are interested in gaining hands‑on Agronomy experience, then we can’t wait to talk to you! We are looking for an Agronomy Intern that is eager to go above and beyond helping our customers. A few key areas of emphasis include:

• Operate field research and crop monitoring equipment and technology for scouting.
• Assist with facility and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Visit FS locations and customers building professional relationships.

What You Bring To The Table

• You are pursuing a degree in Agriculture.
• You are in good academic standing

What We Bring To The Table

• We value relationships and people first and foremost
• We are a company that gives back to the community
• We emphasize sustainability practices and stewardship of our resources
• We enjoy access to in‑house training and leadership development opportunities

We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job‑related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.