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Soil Testing Lab Internship Jobs in Bloomington, IN

Soil Testing Lab Internship information

See Bloomington, IN salary details

$12

$27

$40

How much do soil testing lab internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for soil testing lab internship in Bloomington, IN is $27.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a soil testing lab internship?

A Soil Testing Lab Internship is a temporary position where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience working in a laboratory that analyzes soil samples. Interns typically assist with collecting, preparing, and testing soil for properties like nutrient content, pH, texture, and contaminants. They may also learn about lab safety, data entry, and interpreting test results. This internship is valuable for those interested in careers in agriculture, environmental science, or geology, as it provides practical skills and exposure to laboratory procedures. Interns often work under the supervision of experienced soil scientists or lab technicians.

What are the typical responsibilities of a soil testing lab intern?

During a Soil Testing Lab Internship, you will likely assist with collecting soil samples, preparing and analyzing them using laboratory equipment, and recording detailed data. Interns often support senior technicians in conducting tests for nutrient content, pH levels, and contamination. You may also help maintain lab equipment, follow safety protocols, and occasionally participate in field visits to gather samples. This hands-on role provides valuable experience in laboratory procedures and soil science, making it a strong foundation for a career in environmental science or agriculture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a soil testing lab intern?

To thrive as a Soil Testing Lab Intern, you need a strong background in soil science, chemistry, and laboratory procedures, often supported by coursework in environmental science or agronomy. Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as pH meters, spectrophotometers, and data recording software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate testing results, reliable data analysis, and efficient collaboration within the laboratory environment.

What is the difference between Soil Testing Lab Internship vs Soil Analyst?

AspectSoil Testing Lab InternshipSoil Analyst
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in agriculture, environmental science, or related fieldsDegree in soil science, environmental science, or related field; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory and field settings, supervised learning environmentLaboratory analysis, field sampling, data interpretation
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, agricultural companies, environmental agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, agricultural labs, government agencies

While a Soil Testing Lab Internship offers hands-on learning and entry-level exposure, a Soil Analyst is a professional role requiring specialized knowledge and certifications. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a qualified soil analyst, who performs detailed testing and analysis independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Soil Testing Lab jobs in Bloomington, IN?

The most popular types of Soil Testing Lab jobs in Bloomington, IN are:

Infographic showing various Soil Testing Lab Internship job openings in Bloomington, IN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,043 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Harvest & Enology Internship

Oliver Winery

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Internship

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Oliver Winery rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 442 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Description

Oliver Winery is seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join our production team as a Harvest & Enology Intern for the Fall 2026 season. This internship is designed for a senior studying biology and environmental science who is exploring a future career as an enologist (winemaker/wine scientist). The intern will work alongside our winemaking and cellar staff through the critical harvest period and into fermentation and early winemaking, gaining hands-on exposure to the world of commercial wine production.

Internship Details

  • Dates: August 25, 2026 - December 18, 2026
  • Hours: 15-20 hours per week (schedule adjusted around harvest workload and the student's class schedule)
  • Total hours: 150 hours required for academic credit
  • Compensation: Paid, hourly position. Academic credit may be available and can be arranged with the student's university department/advisor to run concurrently with paid hours.
  • Location: Oliver Winery production facility, Bloomington, Indiana

What You'll Do

  • Assist with grape receiving, sorting, and crush operations during harvest
  • Collect samples and perform routine lab analysis (Brix, pH, titratable acidity, malic acid, and related fermentation metrics)
  • Monitor and record fermentation progress across tanks, including temperature, sugar depletion, and sensory observations.
  • Support cellar operations such as pump-overs, pressing, racking, and tank and other winery equipment sanitation
  • Assist with lab maintenance, calibration of instruments, and accurate record-keeping/data entry
  • Help track and interpret quality control data to support winemaking decisions
  • Learn about the environmental and agricultural factors (soil, climate, viticulture practices) that influence grape and wine quality, connecting classroom knowledge in biology and environmental science to real production outcomes
  • Participate in team meetings and shadow winemaking staff to understand the full path from vineyard to bottle
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety protocols


Requirements

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled as a senior (rising senior or final-year undergraduate) pursuing a degree in Fermentation Science, Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
  • Genuine interest in pursuing enology, winemaking, or a related career path
  • Coursework or lab experience in chemistry, microbiology, or environmental science preferred
  • Comfortable working outdoors and in a fast-paced production environment during harvest, including some early mornings, evenings, weekends, and physically active tasks (lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for extended periods)
  • Strong attention to detail and comfort with data collection and record-keeping
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Must be 21 or older (legal drinking age)
  • Reliable transportation to the Bloomington facility

Preferred (Not Required)

  • Prior experience in a lab, food/beverage production, or agricultural setting
  • Familiarity with basic chemistry techniques (titration, spectrophotometry, etc.)
  • Interest in eventually pursuing graduate study or certification in enology/viticulture

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the student will have direct, hands-on experience with the harvest-to-fermentation process, foundational lab skills used in commercial winemaking, and a clearer understanding of what a career in enology involves - knowledge that can inform graduate school or job decisions after graduation.

Academic Credit

This internship is structured to meet a 150-hour requirement for academic credit. Oliver Winery is happy to work with the student's university (advisor, internship coordinator, or department) on any required paperwork, learning agreements, or supervisor evaluations.

How to Apply

Interested students should submit a resume and a brief statement of interest describing their academic background and why they're interested in enology. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, as the position begins August 25, 2026.


 
This document is confidential and contains proprietary information and intellectual property of Oliver Winery, Inc. Disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this document and the information contained therein is strictly prohibited. 2025 OLIVER WINERY & VINEYARDS, BLOOMINGTON, IN 47404 | OLIVER IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF OLIVER WINE COMPANY, INC. EOE 


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