Plant Health Intern
Objective / Accountability:
To achieve personal goals through the plant health department in the identification of a wide variety of plant insects and diseases, participate in cultural practices, fertility, soil science and research and development.
The program will vary depending on the interest and skills of the intern and the needs of the company. Generally the intern will spilt their time between all Virgil departments, with opportunities to work in other departments through the season.
Functions/Corresponding Tasks:
Pest Management
- Learn to identify key pests and diseases of woody and herbaceous perennials and groundcovers.
- Help in monitoring all crops for disease and insect pressure
- Assist in degree day recordkeeping. .
- Adhere to all company safety guidelines
- Research and development of new cultural methods, pesticides and equipment.
Horticultural Assistance
- Assist with the collection and recording of EC and pH throughout our IL nurseries
- Assist with any type of production trialing that is taking place including the capture of pertinent photographs, collecting data, and completing documents that outline processes and outcomes of said trials
- Assist Horticultural Manager with soil, water, plant tissue, disease, or insect sampling where applicable.
- Project management- prepare, gather information and present a final report of assigned trials and research.
Companywide
- Cross train and assist other departments as directed by your immediate supervisor
- Adhere to all safety and regulatory guidelines as outlined by Midwest Groundcovers
- Communicate horticultural issues with other departments in an effective and appropriate manner when necessary
Required skills:
- Ability to manage time
- Good communication skills
- Entomology and plant pathology knowledge is a plus
- Ability to lift 50lb
- Microsoft office.
- Valid driver’s license.
Education/Experience:
- Student must be enrolled in credible college or university.
- Horticulture knowledge preferred.
- Microsoft Office.