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Crop Science Internship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Crop Science Internship information

What types of hands-on projects or fieldwork can I expect during a crop science internship?

During a Crop Science Internship, you will typically participate in hands-on projects such as assisting with planting, monitoring crop growth, collecting soil and plant samples, and recording experimental data. Interns often work alongside agronomists and research teams in both laboratory and field settings, gaining exposure to real-world agricultural research and crop management practices. These experiences not only deepen your technical knowledge but also help you develop essential teamwork and communication skills, preparing you for a future career in crop science or related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crop science intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crop Science Intern, you typically need foundational knowledge in agronomy, biology, or related fields, often gained through coursework or pursuing a relevant degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, field research tools, data collection software, and sometimes GIS systems is beneficial. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns contribute meaningfully to research teams and adapt to dynamic field environments. These skills ensure accurate data collection, support successful research outcomes, and foster professional growth in agricultural science.

What is the difference between Crop Science Internship vs Agronomist?

AspectCrop Science InternshipAgronomist
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in agriculture, plant science, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in agronomy, plant science, or related field; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research farms, field trials, and company officesFieldwork, research sites, consulting environments, and agricultural companies
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by agricultural companies, research institutions, and universitiesEmployers include agricultural firms, government agencies, and research organizations

While a Crop Science Internship provides hands-on experience and training in crop-related research and practices, an Agronomist is a professional who applies scientific knowledge to improve crop production and sustainability. Internships are entry-level opportunities, whereas agronomists are full-time specialists with advanced education and certifications.

What is a crop science internship?

A Crop Science Internship is a temporary position designed for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in the field of crop science. Interns typically assist with research, field work, data collection, and analysis related to plant growth, soil management, pest control, and agricultural technology. These internships provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities, exposure to agricultural research methods, and networking with professionals in the industry. Completing a crop science internship can enhance your knowledge and skills, making you more competitive for future careers in agriculture or related sciences.
What are the most commonly searched types of Crop Science jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Crop Science jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Crop Science Internship jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Crop Science Internship jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Crop Science Internship jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Crop Science Internship job openings:

Farmer Engagement Support Coordinator

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Farmer Engagement Support Coordinator
Job no: 536833
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: School of Plant & Environmental Sci
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science
Job Description
This position is supported through Advancing Markets Program grants designed to strengthen grassland resilience and promote management practices that enhance the ecosystem services and productivity of forage-livestock production systems. The successful candidate will work directly with agricultural producers to implement grazing and land management practices and monitor their impacts over time.
The position reports to the State Forage Extension Specialist and the Engagement Supervisor and collaborates closely with producers, Virginia Cooperative Extension agents, Small Farm Outreach Program agents, agency personnel, forage industry partners, and faculty, staff, and students within Virginia Tech's Sustainable Grasslands Lab in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences.
The successful candidate will provide direct technical assistance to agricultural producers, coordinate and deliver outreach and educational programming, support applied research initiatives, and assist with the administration of grassland management programs. These efforts will focus on advancing resilient, sustainable, and productive grazing systems through the integration of research, Extension programming, and stakeholder engagement.
The role will support producers in implementing best management practices and participate in monitoring and evaluation efforts, including soil health and other ecosystem indicators, to assess the impacts of management changes on participating farms.
Success in this position requires the ability to work collaboratively with farmers, researchers, students, Extension personnel, and community stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, possess strong communication and relationship-building skills, and be capable of coordinating field-based research and outreach activities that support both scientific and producer-driven objectives.
Required Qualifications
-Bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop and soil sciences, animal science, environmental science, agricultural education, natural resources, or a related field; or equivalent education and experience.
-Demonstrated experience working with agricultural producers, landowners, or natural resource stakeholders.
-Knowledge of forage, grazing, pasture, or grassland management principles.
-Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
-Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and priorities, and coordinate activities across multiple locations.
-Experience collecting, managing, and maintaining accurate field, research, or program data.
-Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly throughout Virginia, including to farms and field sites.
Preferred Qualifications
-Experience with warm-season native grass and/or silvopasture establishment, management, and outreach.
-Experience conducting field research, on-farm trials, or participatory research projects.
-Knowledge of soil health principles, soil sampling techniques, and conservation-oriented agricultural practices.
-Experience developing and delivering educational programming, workshops, field days, or Extension outreach activities.
-Experience coordinating the work of students, interns, volunteers, or research personnel.
-Familiarity with grant-funded projects and associated reporting requirements.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
50,000-60,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
07/19/2026 (Open until filled)
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. John Fike at jfike@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: June 26, 2026
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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