Intern - Ag Operations
GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE
The Ag Operations intern will help identify key indicators of Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) infection and the soil disease complex involved by collecting factual varietal and soil data. This project will help evaluate INSV resistant romaine and iceberg varieties as they interact with soil disease complex.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS / DUTIES OF THE POSITION
- Work with Ag Operations team to understand disease impact
- Develop data tracking tools to measure potential outbreaks
- Work with Ag Production team to track daily harvest schedules
- Track insect populations, disease severity, and yield impact
- Track dates of infection, environmental parameters and correlate
- Track lettuce varieties/types, and how their performance has been impacted in terms of quality and yield
- Create and deliver a final presentation to the President and executive team of Dole Fresh Vegetables.
- Other duties as assigned
INTERNSHIP DETAILS
- Summer 2023, 12-week internship
- 100% onsite (not a remote internship)
- Pay Rate: $20 per hour
- No relocation or housing assistance provided
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
- Intermediate Excel skills
- Knowledge of Statistical Analysis
- Valid California driver’s license
- Excellent Time Management skills
- Familiarity with agricultural operations
- Data Collection experience preferred
- Bi-lingual, Spanish/English is preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regular required to sit for long periods of time; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear on the phone.
- Ability to maneuver around an array of equipment, bend, stoop, climb stairs, climb on and off harvesting equipment, lift up to 25 pounds
- Ability to work in various weather conditions
- Ability to walk on uneven ground
WORK HOUR & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- Full time, 40-hour workweek, no overtime expected
- Travel to and from the Salinas Dole Ag Operations office to various field locations in the Salinas Valley in a Dole vehicle or a personal vehicle
EDUCATION LEVEL AND FIELDS OF STUDY
- Fall 2023 rising Junior or Senior undergraduate student majoring in Agriculture, Soil or Crop Science, Biological Science or a related degree
or
- Fall 2023 Graduate student studying Entomology or Plant Pathology or related field of study
EEO STATEMENT: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.