GROWMARK Exploring Agriculture Agronomy Operations Intern - AgVantage FS - Thornton, IA

AgVantage FS is headquartered in Waverly, Iowa with branches in Northern and Eastern Iowa. AgVantage FS has about 400 employees (including seasonal workers) and approximately 23,000 customers. The cooperative does business in agronomy, energy, precision agronomy, and agri-finance. AgVantage FS is part of the GROWMARK System, an agricultural cooperative serving more than 100,000 customers across North America and Ontario, Canada.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT:

Serves as the GROWMARK Exploring Agriculture Agronomy Operations Intern at AgVantage FS under the direction of location management for the Spring and/or Summer of 2027. Trains and assists with general agronomy functions to learn the foundation of the FS and GROWMARK System, the agriculture industry, and to prepare for a future career.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Hands-on experience in agronomy field and operations.

Assists with facility and equipment maintenance and repair.

Visits FS locations and customers building professional relationships.

Operates field research and crop monitoring equipment and technology for scouting.

Applies crop nutrition and crop protection products.

Gains understanding and experience with ordering, receiving, and inventory control.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

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

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be pursuing a degree or certification from a community college, technical college or university and in good academic standing at time the internship begins, with preferred candidates going into their first or second year of college at the time of the internship.

Prefer the ability to obtain a CDL and commercials applicator’s license with required endorsements, a satisfactory driving record, and valid medical card.

Demonstrates ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Demonstrates essential abilities including communication, customer focus, decision making, and skill development.

Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record, along with willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel.

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

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

Participates in all Exploring Agriculture Internship Program activities.

Ability to work a minimum of 9-10 weeks over the Spring or Summer season. 

Attends one required GROWMARK internship event:

• May 17-18, 2027: Orientation Meeting (Bloomington, IL)

Submits weekly activity reports.

Focuses on an operational project to improve efficiencies for the business.

WHY JOIN US?

Gain hands-on experience in agronomy operations while exploring career opportunities within the FS and GROWMARK System. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, build industry connections, develop practical skills, and complete meaningful projects that prepare you for a future career in agriculture.

 
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.