Wheat Research Agricultural Intern USA

KWS SAAT SE; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

KWS SAAT SE is offering a summer field position in Champaign, IL starting June 2027. You will work outdoors with a team of experienced wheat breeding experts to gain hands-on operations knowledge during harvest.

Ideal candidates are pursuing agricultural or biology-related degrees, with the ability to handle non-standard hours and physical work in varied weather, and a willingness to travel occasionally. Join us to contribute to seed research in one of the world’s leading seed companies.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, and/or pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural, Crop Sciences, Plant Breeding, Biology or any other major.
• Ability to work non-standard work hours, including Saturdays, and some overnight travel.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work well independently and with team members.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and with different plants.

Responsibilities

• Harvest research material by hand in wheat fields.
• Assist with combine harvest of yield plots.
• Operate equipment such as thresher, cleaners and seed counters.
• Organize seed stocks in the warehouse for sowing.
• Assist research planting operations in the field.
• Follow company safety policies and wear PPE.
• Work extended hours outdoors in varied weather.
• Occasional travel or driving for business.
• Meet attendance requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Teamwork

Weather resilience

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma

Pursuing Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural/Crop Sciences/Plant Breeding/Biology

Tools

Research equipment operation

Job description

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Are you looking for a summer position where you can work outside? Do you want to work with one of the biggest seed production companies in the world? Come join us starting June 2027 in Champaign, IL and get the chance to develop operations knowledge in the area of wheat breeding. You will have the opportunity to work outside with a team of experienced wheat breeding experts during wheat harvest.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work in wheat fields to hand harvest research material.
• Assist combine harvest of yield plots.
• Operate various types of research equipment, which may include thresher, cleaners and seed counters.
• Organize seed stocks in the warehouse to prepare them for sowing.
• Assist research planting operations in the field.
• Ensure Company handbook, Rules Guidelines and Procedures and safety policies are followed and personal protective equipment is used correctly.
• Work extended work hours as needed and in outside in a variety of weather conditions.
• Occasionally travel and/or drive on behalf of the business.
• Meet attendance requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma, and/or pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural, Crop Sciences, Plant Breeding, Biology or any other major.
• Ability to work non-standard work hours, including Saturdays, and some overnight travel.
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work well independently and with team members.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and with different types of plants.

Preferred qualifications

• Valid driver’s licenses.
• Farming knowledge and tractor driving experience.
• The ability to work beyond August.

This employer participates in E-Verify and after acceptance of a job offer, will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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About KWS

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for more than 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seeds for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflowers. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods and invests a significant amount in research and development.

At KWS, diversity is not just a value; it is an essential part of our success. Breeding resilient crops requires diversity; likewise, our strength comes from the diversity of our teams. Whatever your background or identity is, we invite you to join us.

Further information: https://www.kws.com/corp/en/careers/ . Follow us on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/company/kwsgroup/ .

Our data privacy policy for candidates is available on www.kws.com/dataprotection . Please select the country where the job you applied for is posted in and, if applicable, the specific business unit.