Research and Development Intern
About The Position
Be part of an innovative team and culture... Imagine spending your summer inside a working agricultural research program - not observing it, but running trials in it. As a Research and Development Intern you will work directly alongside our research team on the field, greenhouse and laboratory work behind our plant breeding and product testing programs. This is a small team, so the work is real and visible: the plots you help plant, the data you collect and the samples you prepare feed directly into product advancement decisions. An internship at The Arthur Companies is a real opportunity to apply what you have learned in class through hands-on work experience.
Requirements
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
- Currently pursuing a degree in Plant Science, Crop Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Genetics, Agricultural Science or a related field
- Comfortable with detailed, repetitive data collection and accurate record keeping
- Basic computer skills, including spreadsheets
- Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather for extended periods
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
- DOT medical card and towing is required
- Regularly reaching with hands and arms
- The ability to identify and distinguish colors is necessary, including the ability to see at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, to evaluate plant characteristics and disease symptoms
- Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs+
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop and kneel for extended periods of time
- Ability to work in dust, pollen and greenhouse humidity
- Ability to ride in and assist around research plot equipment
Nice To Haves
- Coursework or demonstrated interest in agricultural research, plant breeding, agronomy or plant pathology preferred
- experience with research or data management software is a plus
Responsibilities
- Assist in planning, packaging and planting field trials used to evaluate crop and product performance
- Collect and record in-season data on plant growth, stand, plant height, maturity, lodging and disease reactions
- Assist with plot maintenance, including stand counts, weed control and general agronomic practices at research locations
- Support hand harvest and research combine harvest, including plot bagging, labeling and threshing
- Prepare post-harvest samples for quality and laboratory analysis
- Assist in the greenhouse and growth facility with plant care, crossing and seed increases
- Enter and verify trial data in the research database (PRISM), maintaining accurate and reproducible records
- Assist with seed and sample inventory, preparation and organization for the coming season
- Follow all safety and regulatory requirements for research plots, equipment and chemical handling
- Travel with the research team to trial locations across the region
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
High school or GED
