Agronomy Intern in Waukon, Iowa at WFR

Position Overview:
This role will involve supporting the operations side of the agronomy business. This position is an exciting opportunity for a motivated student who is looking to build their skillset, gain hands-on experience in precision technology, crop inputs, and application.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Learn and apply WFR core values and contribute to a positive culture.
• Prepare materials for sales calls, including product information, recommendations, quotes, field maps, and follow-up summaries.
• Assist with drone operations, including flight planning, pre-flight checks, battery and equipment care, and application.
• Assist with seed treatment, including equipment setup, calibration, mixing, application, cleanout, and accurate treatment records.
• Assist with seed handling, including inventory, tagging, staging, loading, delivery, and treatment scheduling.
• Scout fields for weeds, insects, disease, and stand counts, and record findings for the agronomy team.
• Pull and submit soil and tissue samples; label samples accurately and track results.
• Assist with product inventory, warehouse organization, loading and unloading, and customer deliveries.
• Help clean and maintain agronomy equipment, including tenders, treaters, drones, sampling tools, and application equipment.
• Assist with test plots, plot data collection, and preparation for field days and customer meetings.
• Follow all product label directions and chemical handling, mixing, storage, and disposal requirements.
• Represent WFR professionally and courteously in all customer interactions.
• Participate in assigned training sessions and safety meetings to support professional growth.
• Work efficiently and prioritize daily responsibilities to ensure customer and field needs are met within established timelines.
• Complete an end-of-internship project and present the results to the supervisor or leadership team.
• Complying with safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), chemical handling procedures, and safe operating procedures
• Remain flexible and willing to assist with changing company needs, including cross-training in different responsibilities, supporting other departments, and working extended hours during planting, spraying, and harvest seasons.
• Understand & follow WFR's handbook and procedures
• Work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse team, contributing to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

Education and Experience

• Currently enrolled at a college or university, pursuing a degree in agronomy, crop science, plant science, soil science, precision agriculture, agribusiness, or a related field.
• Previous farm, agronomy, or crop input experience preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in agronomy, crop production, and precision agriculture with a desire to learn and self-develop
• Willingness to obtain an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate; existing certification is a plus
• Willingness to obtain a state pesticide applicator license as required for assigned duties
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Self-motivated team player with a positive attitude
• Strong prioritization and organizational skills
• Effectively communicate with team members and customers
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer farms and field locations

Physical Requirements

• Frequently walk fields and be on feet for extended periods, typically 8 to 10 hours a day and longer as seasonal needs require, including on uneven, muddy, and rowed ground
• Frequently bend, stoop, reach, squat, and kneel to scout fields, pull samples, and service equipment
• Capable to do repeated actions, including lifting, pouring, sampling, and loading and unloading products
• Regularly lift, carry, push, or pull a minimum of 50 lbs., including seed bags, chemical containers, and equipment, and occasionally more with assistance
• Occasionally climb stairs, ladders, and equipment, including tenders, treaters, and bins
• Frequently sit and drive between customer farms, fields, and company locations
• Sufficient vision, hearing, and speech to evaluate crop and field conditions, read labels, plans, and gauges, and communicate clearly in an office, in a vehicle, and in a noisy field or warehouse environment
• Ability to tolerate exposure to sun, heat, humidity, temperature extremes, wet conditions, grain and field dust, pollen, seed treatment products, crop protection chemicals, and moderate to loud noise
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves, eyewear, and respiratory protection when handling treatments and crop inputs

Work Environment

• Schedule: Hours are set by the Agronomy Manager. Employees are expected to be punctual and reliable to hours set.
• Environment: A mix of office, warehouse, and outdoor field settings. Work is performed in all types of weather. Noise level is usually moderate to loud.
• Travel: Travel to customer farms, fields, and company locations is required. A valid driver's license is required.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.