Ag Operations Intern

GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Ag Operations Intern will gain real world experience by assisting Ag Managers with day-to-day tasks and working on ag-related projects.  The intern will help evaluate plantings, track fertilizer use, identify pests and disease in vegetable crops and analyze data to identify opportunities to create efficiencies to reduce costs and improve crop quality.  

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS / DUTIES OF THE POSITION

• Learn and understand farming activities including ground preparation, seeding, crop growth, and harvesting
• Conduct crop observations such as stand counts to determine plant population per acre
• Collect soil and plant samples for submission to testing laboratories and nutritional analysis
• Uploading, organizing and analyzing field data using Excel is a key component of this internship
• Create and deliver a final presentation to the executive team of Dole Fresh Vegetables.
• Other duties as assigned 

INTERNSHIP DETAILS 

• Summer 2025, 12-week internship
• 100% onsite (not a remote internship)
• Pay Rate:  $20 - $22 per hour
• No relocation or housing assistance provided

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with farming operations
• At least an Intermediate skill level with Excel is required
• Experience working with and analyzing large data sets is desired
• Knowledge of Statistical Analysis
• Bi-lingual, Spanish/English is preferred
• Valid driver’s license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk or hear.  The employee must occasionally lift (including overhead) and/or up to 15 lbs.
• 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 offices, Salinas Transplant Company, and various field locations in the Salinas Valley

EDUCATION LEVEL AND FIELDS OF STUDY

• Fall 2025 rising junior or senior obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Plant and Soil Science, Crop Science, Ag Business, or a related field
• Or a community college student who has completed a minimum of 30 college credits in a relevant field

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.