Agronomy Intern Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

SALARY RANGE: $19.00 - $22.00 

Sunrise FS is headquartered in Virginia, Illinois, with branches in Cass, Champaign, Clark, Douglas, Edgar, Mason and Vermillion counties. Sunrise FS has about 200 employees (including seasonal workers) and approximately 14,000 customers. The cooperative does business in agronomy, energy, grain, tires, irrigation, and retail. Sunrise 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:

Join Sunrise FS as a GROWMARK Agronomy Intern for the Summer of 2027 and gain real-world experience supporting agronomy operations and farmer-member customers. You'll develop knowledge in crop production, field scouting, precision agriculture, and customer service while participating in the GROWMARK Internship Program, which includes mentorship, professional development, networking, and a capstone project.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Support agronomy operations and assist agronomy professionals in serving farmer-member customers.

Learn crop production practices, crop protection products, plant nutrition, and agronomic recommendations.

Conduct field scouting activities, monitor crop health, and collect field data.

Assist with agronomy trials, plot work, field demonstrations, and research projects.

Utilize precision agriculture tools and technology for scouting and data collection.

Support product inventory, ordering, receiving, and operational activities.

Participate in customer visits, grower events, and educational opportunities.

Travel to FS locations to build relationships with employees, customers, and industry partners.

Follow safety, stewardship, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Complete special projects and assist with additional operational activities, as needed.

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:

Pursuing a degree or certification from a community college, technical college, or university and in good academic standing at the start of the internship, with preferred candidates going into their junior or Senior year at the time of the internship (i.e., juniors going into their senior year qualify, but students graduating before the start of their internship do not). 

Interest in agronomy, crop production, and agriculture.

Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

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

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

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

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:

Participate in all GROWMARK Internship Program activities and meetings.

Ability to work a minimum of 12 weeks over the Summer, starting May 24, 2027, at the latest.

Attend three required internship events:

• May 24-25, 2027: Orientation Meeting (Bloomington, IL)
• June 28-30, 2027: Mid-Summer Meeting (Location TBD)
• August 11-12, 2027: Conclusion Meeting (Bloomington, IL)

Actively participate in mentoring, networking, and professional development opportunities.

Complete and present a summer internship project.

WHY JOIN US?

Gain hands-on agronomy experience, grow your professional network, and learn from industry leaders while exploring career opportunities within the GROWMARK System and supporting farmer-member customers.

At Sunrise FS, we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.  In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.