This internship provides real-world experience through meaningful fieldwork, direct interaction with farmers, and participation in agronomic research and education programs. The position includes both indoor and outdoor work and offers opportunities to develop technical, communication, and leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with on-farm trial research activities, including scouting, data collection, and field observations.


• Conduct general crop scouting and monitor soybean growth, pests, diseases, weed pressure, and environmental conditions.


• Support soybean production agronomic research focused on soil health, water quality, resource resiliency, and conservation practices.


• Collect, organize, and manage agronomic data using digital tools and data collection platforms.


• Assist with field days, demonstration plots, educational events, and outreach activities.


• Work directly with farmers, researchers, agronomists, and industry partners.


• Develop outreach content for Field Advisor, social media platforms, and other educational communications.


• Create digital content, including social media reels, short videos, photographs, and promotional materials highlighting research and outreach efforts.


• Represent soybean production and agronomic initiatives at industry meetings, field days, and external events.


• Support Illinois Soybean Association Agronomy Team activities and assist with operations at the ISA Agronomy Farm.


• Maintain positive relationships with growers, partners, and stakeholders.


• Follow all safety protocols and demonstrate safe work practices in both field and office environments.

Internship Project Requirement

As part of the internship, each intern will complete an independent soybean production project that addresses a relevant agronomic issue impacting Illinois soybean production. Potential project topics may include soybean management practices, soil health, water quality, crop resilience, conservation systems, pest management, or on-farm research findings.

The intern will:

• Develop project objectives in collaboration with ISA agronomy staff.


• Collect and analyze agronomic data throughout the internship.


• Summarize findings and identify practical implications for soybean farmers.


• Deliver a professional written summary of the project.


• Present final project findings and recommendations to ISA staff, stakeholders, and/or farmer audiences at the conclusion of the internship.

Skills Developed Through This Internship

By the end of the internship, participants will have gained experience in:

• Soybean production agronomy


• Crop scouting and diagnostics


• On-farm research and data collection


• Agronomic data analysis and interpretation


• Farmer communication and stakeholder engagement


• Field event planning and support


• Agricultural communications and content creation


• Conservation and stewardship practices


• Professional presentation and public-speaking skills


• Working within a professional agronomy and research team

Competencies

• Able to work independently or cooperatively with others on a team.


• Ability to analyze problems, develop a path toward problem solving, and manage the process to completion.


• Capacity to make decisions and communication with tact and professionalism.


• Strong multi-tasking skills with a comfort in maintaining multiple, often conflicting priorities.


• Strong written and oral communications with internal and external audiences.


• Strong relationship building skills and ability to thrive within a rapidly changing environment.


• Experience in developing and implementing sponsored, community initiatives.


• Works well under pressure with an ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.


• Strong organizational skills, ability to focus both on detail and the larger picture. Exhibits a high level of critical/strategic thinking.

Desired Qualifications

• Sophomore or junior pursuing a degree in Agronomy, Crop Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Communications, or a related field.


• Basic understanding of soybean production systems and agronomic principles.


• Interest in field research, crop scouting, and agricultural outreach.


• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills.


• Proficiency in using computers, tablets, and digital tools for data collection and reporting.


• Experience using field instruments and equipment to measure and record agronomic data.


• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and walk field plots for extended periods.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Knowledge of safe working practices and procedures.


• Ability to maintain positive relationships with growers, researchers, and industry partners.


• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to field sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in production agriculture, farming, agronomic research, crop scouting, or related agricultural activities.


• Familiarity with Illinois soybean production practices.


• Experience collecting and managing agronomic data.


• Interest in conservation systems, soil health, water quality, and sustainable crop production.


• Experience creating content for social media, videos, photography, or agricultural communications.


• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and data management software.

• Agriculture background preferred, but not required

Physical Requirements

• Normal office working conditions


• Reliable transportation to field sites – milage will be reimbursed


• Must be available to travel offsite for meetings/events when necessary.


• Some physical demands – may need to lift between 10-50lb.