Wheat Research Agricultural Intern USA

KWS Cereals USA LLC.; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

KWS Cereals USA LLC. in Champaign, IL offers a Wheat Research Agricultural Intern position for a summer starting June 2027.

The role provides hands-on exposure to breeding operations and field work alongside experienced wheat breeding experts. Expect to gain operations knowledge in wheat breeding, participate in harvesting activities, and learn to operate research equipment while working outdoors in varying weather conditions and with a team.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural, Crop Sciences, Plant Breeding, Biology or related field.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including Saturdays, and some overnight travel.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work well independently and with team members; strong attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license preferred; farming knowledge and tractor experience are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Hand harvest research material in wheat fields.
• Assist combine harvest of yield plots.
• Operate research equipment (thresher, cleaners, seed counters).
• Organize seed stocks in warehouse for sowing.
• Assist research planting operations in the field.
• Follow safety policies and wear PPE.
• Work extended hours outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Occasionally travel or drive for the business.
• Meet attendance requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Ability to work non-standard hours

Lift up to 30 pounds

Independent and team worker

Attention to detail

Valid driver’s license (preferred)

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural/Crop Sciences/Biology (pursuing)

Job description

Career Opportunities: Wheat Research Agricultural Intern USA (16783)

Requisition ID16783-Posted08/19/2026-Champaign- Fields of Work (1) -Intern/Working Student-Up to 10%

Field of Work:Breeding stations,
Location:Champaign
Legal Entity:KWS Cereals USA LLC.
Contract Type: Regular
Is Full Time: Yes
Job ID: 16783

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 startingJune 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.

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.

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.