Internship Summary:
The Agronomy internship performs a wide range of activities in a real-time production environment. The Intern is assigned mentors who provide active learning experiences and achievement objectives. Work is performed outside of classroom schedules unless the internship has been approved to occur during school hours.
Intern Contributions and Key Responsibilities
Objective 1: Coordinate DU tests for Wholly Owned Ranches:
- Notify stakeholders – Irrigation lead, Ranch Manager, Agronomy Manager
- Labor Planning – Request support as needed
- Materials and equipment setup – request and organize ahead of time (flow meter, pressure gauges, catch cans, etc.)
Objective 2: Lead in – field DU tests:
- Field Selection – choose a representative block while avoiding abnormal zones unless identifying a problem
- Irrigation system review – Confirm system type such as drip, single double line, emitter spacing, flow rate, etc.) and gather system specs (filters, pump capacity, pressure regulators, etc.)
- Field Layout & sampling design – ensure proper placement to conduct a valid DU
- Scheduling time – Run the test under normal operating conditions
Objective 3: Create ranch-level DU reports and deliver results with mentor support:
- Data collection and calculations – record, calculate and interpret
- Diagnose issues – if DU is low, identify causes (pressure variation, plugging, design, etc.)
- Reporting – summarize in a report, DU value, pressure profile, diagnosis observations
- Recommended actions – with support of mentor(s), report DU actionable improvements to production as needed (flush lines, acid injections, adjust pressures, etc.)
- Follow-up – re-test after corrective actions and track DU over time (seasonally)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Willingness to learn and apply classroom knowledge in a real-time environment
- Bilingual – English and Spanish preferred
- Strong communication
- Problem Solver
- Interpersonal skills
- Adaptability
- Strong data analysis
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office software
- Valid California Driver’s License
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college/university, pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s
degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Ag. Business, Agriculture Systems Management
No working experience required
Pay scale: $20-23.50
