GROWMARK Agronomy Intern - GRAINCO FS - Ottawa, IL

SALARY: $19/hour

BENEFITS: We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees and encourage our interns to start planning for retirement early by offering them the opportunity to participate in our 401(k) plan.

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT:

Join GRAINCO FS as an Agronomy Intern for the Summer of 2027 and gain real-world experience supporting agronomy operations and farmer-member customers. You'll develop knowledge in crop production, field scouting, precision agriculture, and customer service while participating in the GROWMARK Internship Program, which includes mentorship, professional development, networking, and a capstone project.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Support agronomy operations and assist agronomy professionals in serving farmer-member customers.

Learn crop production practices, crop protection products, plant nutrition, and agronomic recommendations.

Conduct field scouting activities, monitor crop health, and collect field data.

Assist with agronomy trials, plot work, field demonstrations, and research projects.

Utilize precision agriculture tools and technology for scouting and data collection.

Support product inventory, ordering, receiving, and operational activities.

Participate in customer visits, grower events, and educational opportunities.

Travel to FS locations to build relationships with employees, customers, and industry partners.

Follow safety, stewardship, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Complete special projects and assist with additional operational activities, as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

Pursuing a degree or certification in Agronomy, Agribusiness, Crop and Soil Science, or a related field from a community college, technical college, or university and in good academic standing at the start of the internship, with preferred candidates going into their Junior or Senior year at the time of the internship (i.e., juniors going into their senior year qualify, but students graduating before the start of their internship do not).

Interest in agronomy, crop production, and agriculture.

Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Ability to lift up to 70 pounds and work in varying weather conditions, as well as working at various heights or elevated platforms.

Valid driver's license and willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel.

Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

Participate in all GROWMARK Internship Program activities and meetings.

Ability to work a minimum of 12 weeks over the Summer, starting May 24, 2027, at the latest.

Attend three required internship events:

• May 24-25, 2027: Orientation Meeting (Bloomington, IL)

• June 28-30, 2027: Mid-Summer Meeting (Location TBD)

• August 11-12, 2027: Conclusion Meeting (Bloomington, IL)

Actively participate in mentoring, networking, and professional development opportunities.

Complete and present a summer internship project.

WHY JOIN US?

Gain hands-on agronomy experience, grow your professional network, and learn from industry leaders while exploring career opportunities within the GROWMARK System and supporting farmer-member customers.

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.