Temporary Fike Agronomy Field Lab Intern

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance for Temporary Employees

Childcare discounts

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Job summary

NC State University in Raleigh is offering a temporary internship focused on farm management. Interns will work on various tasks, including planting, harvesting, and maintaining irrigation systems while developing ongoing skills in sustainable agriculture.

This position requires at least six months of farm experience and offers flexible hours of 5–10 per week, with an anticipated hiring range of $14–$18 per hour. Benefits include health insurance and access to wellness programs.

Qualifications

• At least six months of farm experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to work independently and in teams with diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planting and harvesting crops.
• Maintain fences and irrigation systems.
• Participate in soil health assessments and pest management.

Skills

Farm management skills

Communication skills

Ability to work in varying weather conditions

Ability to lift 45 pounds

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Essential Job Duties

The intern will work closely alongside the research technician to develop skills necessary for future work in farm management, including equipment maintenance and general field operations such as planting, harvesting, cultivation, irrigation, and fence maintenance. The intern will also help with long‑term improvement projects related to irrigation, weed identification, and crop management plans, and assist with the design, build, and trialing of three‑point attached, custom mechanical cultivators for the Fike Agronomy Field Lab. As an intern, you’ll be involved in all aspects of farm production and educational programming. You will develop proficiency in the following areas:

• Planting and harvesting commodity crops
• Fence maintenance and installation
• Crop planning
• Soil sensor and flume management
• Soil health assessment
• Safe tractor use and maintenance
• Integrated pest management
• Irrigation maintenance and installation

Experience, Qualifications and Skills

This position requires some farm experience – at least six months is ideal. However, the intern will develop skills and knowledge on the job, so a good attitude, strong interest in sustainable agriculture, and enthusiasm to learn will be essential. The intern must also be a clear communicator, able to work with varied individuals, work independently when needed, and lift 45 pounds. This position is primarily outdoors, and activities must be completed under adverse weather conditions (cold, heat, humidity, rain, pollen). Biting insects, snakes, and poison ivy are sometimes present on the farm.

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least six months of farm experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Minimum six months of experience working on a farm
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions
• Ability to perform duties in outdoor field conditions with potential exposure to biting insects, snakes, and poison ivy
• Ability to work independently when needed
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds on a routine basis

Employment Details

Location: Raleigh, NC
Position type: Temporary
Work schedule: 5–10 hrs per week, Monday‑Friday
Anticipated hiring range: $14–$18/hr

Benefits

• Health Insurance for Temporary Employees
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non‑revenue generating sporting events for free
• Childcare discounts
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

EEO Statement

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact the Office of Equal Opportunity. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. NC State University participates in E‑Verify.