1

Agricultural Internship Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Agricultural Internship information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do agricultural internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for agricultural internship in Decatur, IL is $15.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an agricultural internship?

An agricultural internship is a temporary work experience program designed for students or recent graduates interested in gaining practical skills and knowledge in the field of agriculture. Interns typically work on farms, research facilities, or with agricultural businesses to learn about crop production, animal husbandry, agribusiness, or sustainable farming practices. These internships provide hands-on learning opportunities, exposure to industry professionals, and a chance to explore various career paths in agriculture. Agricultural internships can vary in length and may be paid or unpaid, depending on the organization and location.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect during an agricultural internship?

During an agricultural internship, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on activities such as planting, harvesting, crop monitoring, soil sampling, and equipment operation. Interns often assist with daily farm operations and may also be involved in research, data collection, or pest management projects, depending on the focus of the farm or organization. This experience provides valuable exposure to the practical side of agriculture, teamwork with seasoned professionals, and insight into sustainable practices, all of which can help you determine your preferred career path within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an agricultural intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Agricultural Intern, you need a foundational understanding of agricultural science, basic crop or livestock management, and often enrollment in or completion of a relevant degree program. Familiarity with farm machinery, data collection tools, and sometimes agricultural software or GIS systems is beneficial. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and communication skills are essential soft skills for collaborating with teams and handling diverse tasks in variable environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring effective learning, maximizing productivity, and contributing positively to agricultural operations.

What is the difference between Agricultural Internship vs Agricultural Technician?

AspectAgricultural InternshipAgricultural Technician
Required CredentialsUsually students or recent graduates; some may have relevant courseworkPost-secondary education or certifications in agriculture or related fields
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, research projects, farm settings, seasonalLaboratory, fieldwork, farm operations, technical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageEducational programs, farms, research institutionsFarms, agricultural companies, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentLearning opportunities, entry-level experienceTechnical skills, career advancement in agriculture

While both roles involve working in agricultural settings, an Agricultural Internship is typically a temporary, educational position for students or recent graduates seeking hands-on experience. An Agricultural Technician is a more technical, often paid role requiring specific certifications or education, focusing on supporting agricultural operations with technical skills. The internship offers learning and exploration, whereas the technician role emphasizes technical expertise and career development.

What do agricultural internships do?

Agricultural internships provide hands-on experience in farming, crop management, and agricultural operations. Interns often assist with planting, harvesting, equipment use, and learn about sustainable practices, gaining skills relevant to careers in agriculture. These internships typically involve working outdoors and may require knowledge of agricultural tools and safety protocols.

What is the best job for agricultural internship students?

The best jobs for agricultural internship students include positions such as farm assistant, research intern, or crop technician, which provide hands-on experience in farming practices, crop management, and agricultural technology. These roles often require knowledge of machinery, plant science, and safety protocols, and may involve working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Which agricultural internship is best for agriculture students?

The best agricultural internship for agriculture students depends on their specific interests, such as crop production, livestock management, or research. Programs offered by universities, government agencies, and large agribusinesses often provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and industry connections. Selecting an internship with a structured curriculum, relevant skills training, and opportunities for certification can enhance career prospects.

What job categories do people searching Agricultural Internship jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Agricultural Internship jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Agricultural Internship jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Agricultural Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Agricultural Internship job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,362 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Human Resources Trainee - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

Decatur, IL • On-site

$63K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 365 rated logistics


Job description


Human Resources Trainee - Decatur, IL
The HR Development Program is a structured 2-year rotation designed to build a strong, well-rounded foundation across core Human Resources disciplines.
This program emphasizes experiential learning across HR operations, labor relations, talent acquisition, and total rewards, combined with continuous coaching and performance feedback.
Key Responsibilities
Year 1 - HR Foundations (HR Generalist Experience)
  • Participate in onboarding and structured introduction to HR strategy, operating model, and business priorities
  • Gain exposure to HR generalist responsibilities, ideally within a plant or operational environment
  • Support HR administration and HRIS processes
  • Develop foundational knowledge of employee and labor relations, including:
    • Labor agreements and policies
    • Shadowing employee investigations and case management
  • Build practical experience in day-to-day HR operations and employee support
Year 2 - Advanced HR Capabilities (Centers of Expertise Exposure)
Develop specialized skills through exposure to one or multiple key HR functions such as:
Total Rewards & Compensation
  • Support salary structuring, job grading, and benchmarking
  • Assist with pay equity analysis
  • Participate in compensation benchmarking and benefits design
Talent Acquisition
  • Support end-to-end recruitment processes including:
    • Sourcing and screening
    • Interviewing and scheduling
  • Participate in campus recruiting and job fairs
Talent Management
  • Contribute to the performance management cycle
  • Support talent discussions and workforce planning activities
Project & Business Skills
  • Build project management capabilities
  • Participate in HR-related projects and initiatives
  • Contribute to presentations (e.g., capstone project)
Development & Program Features
  • Mentorship & Coaching: Ongoing support from HR Business Partners (HRBPs), mentors, and program sponsors
  • Rotations: Exposure to multiple HR functions and environments
  • Global Exposure: Potential participation in regional or global HR projects
  • Capstone Project: Final presentation to HR leadership team
Performance & Feedback
  • Quarterly performance reviews against rotation objectives
  • 9-box assessments following each rotation
  • Continuous feedback from managers, mentors, and HR partners
  • Documented development progress to guide final role placement
Aftercare & Continued Development
  • Ongoing HRBP mentorship and coaching
  • Continued development in:
    • Stakeholder management
    • Influence and business partnership
  • Participation in regional or global HR projects
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field
  • 0-3 years of professional experience
  • Demonstrated learning agility, curiosity, and analytical thinking
  • Willingness to be mobile (regionally or globally)
Preferred
  • Prior internship or exposure to HR or business operations
Key Success Factors
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Adaptability and openness to diverse HR experiences
  • Proactive mindset and willingness to take initiative
  • Commitment to continuous learning and development
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:111960BR
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM's efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments - environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
Benefits and Perks
Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:
  • Physical wellness - medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
  • Financial wellness - flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
  • Mental and social wellness - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
Additional benefits include:
  • Paid time off including paid holidays.
  • Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
*Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

What ADM employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom