Agricultural Technician Internship

Yakima Chief Ranches, LLC 

Position Description: Agricultural Technician 

Reports to: Agronomist 
Location: Zillah, WA, with travel to Oregon and Idaho 

Position Length: June 2nd to October 3rd, 2026 

Job Description: 

Yakima Chief Ranches is seeking motivated students or recent graduates interested in agriculture, plant science, and field research to join our team as Agricultural Technicians. This internship offers hands-on experience in hop production, pest and disease scouting, and agronomic research, providing exposure to the hop industry from breeding to brewing. 

What You’ll Do (other duties may be assigned):

• Field Scouting and Pest Management: Travel throughout hop-growing regions in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to scout fields for pests and diseases. Work independently to identify, assess, and report findings that support grower decision-making. 
• Agronomic Research Support: Assist with data collection for field trials focused on hop plant health and sustainable growing practices. Design and contribute to an independent research project of your choosing. 
• Industry Learning: Participate in enrichment sessions covering hop breeding, procurement, brewing, and sensory analysis to gain a broad understanding of the hop supply chain. 
• Professional Networking: Build connections with professionals in agronomy, brewing, and research to prepare for a career in agriculture, fermentation or plant science.

Qualifications:  

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Training: 

• At least junior or senior standing 
• Must be 21 years or older, as brewing and sensory activities are included.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. 
• Strong communication and organizational skills. 
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in outdoor conditions. 
• Ability to relocate to Zillah, WA or surrounding areas such as Yakima, WA, for the duration of the internship. 
• Position requires an executed confidentiality agreement. 

Physical Requirements:  

• Ability to lift 50lbs 
• Walk several miles per day in the field in hot and cold conditions

Desired Qualifications: 

• Pursuing or recently completed a B.S. in an agriculture, fermentation science, or agriculture-related field (e.g., plant biology, entomology, or ecology). 
• Experience with hops and or brewing/fermentation science is a plus, but not necessary. 
• Enthusiasm for learning about hop production and applied agronomic research. 
• Bilingual language skills (speak, read, write) in Spanish and English highly desired.

Schedule:

• Approximately 40 hours per week, with limited weekend work in September. 
• Work is primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions. 
• Up to 20% travel across Oregon and Idaho growing regions. 

About Yakima Chief Ranches, LLC 

Originally formed in the late 1980’s, Yakima Chief Ranches is a crop research company specializing in the development and management of novel hop varieties for the global brewing industry. YCR is a partner in Hop Breeding Company, LLC (HBC). YCR’s purpose is to create, build, and protect value for all, through development of first class hop varieties, a relentless pursuit of quality, and building meaningful relationships. We envision a new normal in the hop trade where mutual benefit between stakeholders is the key driver of success. A truly sustainable industry. Realization of our vision requires adherence to our core values: 

- Be creative: Innovative ideas power improvement. Creativity is essential in our approach to R&D, our operations, and our relationships. 

- Be accountable: No one should be able to question our character. Foster transparency by doing the right thing, working hard, and delivering on our promises.  

- Contribute: Recognize our success is dependent on healthy communities and relationships. Cultivate positive relationships, be proactive, be helpful, and make a difference. 

- Grow: Pursue opportunities to learn and grow, not just in business, but personally as well. 

- Be bold: Creating a new normal and doing so while adhering to these principles will require nothing less than courage and drive.