Operations Intern
Join the PowerPollen® team of global innovation leaders for pollination systems aligned on a mission to preserve & enhance global agricultural production, sustainability and profitability by enabling superior pollination systems.
As an Operations Intern for PowerPollen®, you will have the opportunity and unique experience to join an industry revolutionizing team. Conducting and supporting science and discovery and making practical applications that are novel and first of their kind. We offer multiple summer internship positions that are primarily focused on Operations. Your role as an Operations Intern, will include assisting in the execution of our biology and engineering technologies in large scale field operations for seed production.
We are seeking people that are highly organized, willing to adapt to changing work conditions, self-motivated with a positive attitude, who have a strong aptitude for problem solving & innovation and are comfortable working independently or as a collaborator with high performance teams.
Responsibilities of an Operations Intern:
- Assist with development, implementation, execution, and improvement of experimental protocols
- Assist with plot management and care
- Scout fields for pollen shed, silk growth, weed & insect density.
- Participate in experiment setup and ensure experimental methods are followed
- Organize field layout with tags and execute data collection, including outdoor harvest and image processing
- Logistics planning and support in seed production opportunities
- Field machine operation as necessary
- Keep a detailed record of activities and produce reports and data summaries
- Drive company owned and leased vehicles safely, potentially assigned to tow/haul
- Become familiar with and follow all safety protocols and encourage others to do the same
Requirements:
- 2+ years college level academics preferably agriculture or biology related
- Familiarity with the seasonality of agriculture and commit to the in-season time requirements including long days and weekends (typically July & August)
- Capable and interested in working in fast-paced and diverse environments that includes warehouse, indoor lab conditions and outdoor agricultural field conditions including high heat & humidity, insect exposure, uneven terrains, narrow and sight limited workspaces all with active agricultural equipment in operation
- Willing to travel as needed (primarily Midwestern US)
- Willingness to cross-train for other jobs within the organization as needed
- Ability to walk, stand or sit for prolonged periods
- Ability to drive field / off-road vehicles for prolonged periods
- Able to maintain confidentiality and protection of PowerPollen critical and proprietary assets including systems, equipment and knowledge
- Valid driver’s license with good driving record
- Prior farm, field or agricultural work a plus
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
All applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status). PowerPollen® is an equal opportunity employer.