Research and Development Intern

Be part of an innovative team and culture...

Imagine spending your summer inside a working agricultural research program - not observing it, but running trials in it. As a Research and Development Intern you will work directly alongside our research team on the field, greenhouse and laboratory work behind our plant breeding and product testing programs. This is a small team, so the work is real and visible: the plots you help plant, the data you collect and the samples you prepare feed directly into product advancement decisions. An internship at The Arthur Companies is a real opportunity to apply what you have learned in class through hands-on work experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Research and Development Intern will work closely with the research team across a full season of trial work - planting, in-season data collection, harvest and post-harvest sample handling - supporting both our plant breeding program and our contract research work.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in planning, packaging and planting field trials used to evaluate crop and product performance;


• Collect and record in-season data on plant growth, stand, plant height, maturity, lodging and disease reactions;


• Assist with plot maintenance, including stand counts, weed control and general agronomic practices at research locations;


• Support hand harvest and research combine harvest, including plot bagging, labeling and threshing;


• Prepare post-harvest samples for quality and laboratory analysis;


• Assist in the greenhouse and growth facility with plant care, crossing and seed increases;


• Enter and verify trial data in the research database (PRISM), maintaining accurate and reproducible records;


• Assist with seed and sample inventory, preparation and organization for the coming season;


• Follow all safety and regulatory requirements for research plots, equipment and chemical handling;


• Travel with the research team to trial locations across the region.

TIMEFRAME:

The timeframe for this position is mid-May through mid-August (summer school break timeframe). Some flexibility on start and end dates is available to work around the academic calendar. Planting and harvest windows are weather-driven, so occasional long days and some weekend work should be expected during peak periods.

LOCATION:

This position is based out of our research facility in Fargo, North Dakota, with regular travel to research plot locations across the region. The intern is responsible for housing and transportation to and from the base location.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)


• Currently pursuing a degree in Plant Science, Crop Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Genetics, Agricultural Science or a related field


• Coursework or demonstrated interest in agricultural research, plant breeding, agronomy or plant pathology preferred


• Comfortable with detailed, repetitive data collection and accurate record keeping


• Basic computer skills, including spreadsheets; experience with research or data management software is a plus


• Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather for extended periods


• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record DOT medical card and towing is required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Regularly sitting, talking and hearing in an office, laboratory and greenhouse environment, as well as frequent outdoor fieldwork exposed to weather and external environments


• Regularly reaching with hands and arms


• The ability to identify and distinguish colors is necessary, including the ability to see at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, to evaluate plant characteristics and disease symptoms


• Ability to:
  
  
  
  • Lift a minimum of 50 lbs+;
  
  
  • Stand, walk, bend, stoop and kneel for extended periods of time;
  
  
  • Work in dust, pollen and greenhouse humidity;
  
  
  • Ride in and assist around research plot equipment;
  
  
  
  

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

The Arthur Companies is a diversified agricultural business that includes grain, agronomy services, birdseed and a fertilizer company. There is a proud tradition of customer service excellence in all that we do that dates back to 1906. We are privately owned and operated, putting business decisions close to our team. Please visit our website (www.arthurcompanies.com) for additional information.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is not a complete description of responsibility, but reflects the general qualifications, duties and/or responsibilities necessary to perform this position. Arthur Companies reserves the right to revise the job description as circumstances warrant. Arthur Companies is an at-will employer, which means that either the employee or the company may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause. We are an equal opportunity employer.