Sweet Corn Research Intern
Illinois Foundation Seeds Inc. (IFSI) is an independent company delivering the leading research, product development, licensing, and production for the seed industry’s sweet corn and field crops.
Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Sweet Corn Research Intern with primary responsibilities in Plover, WI.
Responsibilities:
· Assist Sweet Corn Breeder and Research Assistants with field research activities, such as pollinating, disease inoculations, plant tissue sampling, stand counts, and in-field data collection.
· Assist with planting of nurseries and trials along nursery with harvest, time permitting.
· Help monitor fields for plant pests and health throughout the growing season.
· Acquire a basic understanding of IFSI company operations and structure.
· Lead efforts on an assigned research project, including: experimental design, data collection, field crew management, and reporting project results.
· Support and aid the Plover team with various assignments as directed and as time allows.
· This position has opportunity for additional work around classes such as shelling, treating and packaging of seed in the off-season.
Personnel Management:
· The Sweet Corn Research Intern will help Research Assistants manage small crews of high school students to assist in completing various field work activities.
· Work with Plover staff to coordinate trial and field activities along with the appropriate labor crews needed to accomplish these tasks.
Testing Operations:
· Assist Sweet Corn Breeder and PD Assistant in hybrid trials by learning plot evaluation techniques; assist with data collection using IFSI research data program.
· Acquire a basic understanding of the sweet corn industry and products for different market segments.
· Assist Plover team with nursery disease evaluations and collecting disease inoculum, as well as evaluating plant-herbicide reactions.
Support and Model a Culture that Meets or Exceeds Standards in the Following:
· Provide a sense of leadership and training to field crews as needed. The intern should maintain a level respectfulness and professionalism, especially when leading field crews and working around IFSI customers.