Facility Operations Summer Internship Program – 2026

Job Description

Job Title: Facility Operations Summer Internship Program – 2026

Company Overview:
Innovative Ag Services (IAS) is a leading, full-service farm cooperative dedicated to meeting all agricultural needs. With a strong presence across northeast and central Iowa, and southwest Wisconsin through its 30 strategically located facilities, IAS proudly serves over 5,000 members. As one of Iowa’s Top Agricultural Cooperatives, IAS provides an extensive range of value-added products and services in key markets including grain, agronomy, feed, energy, and building supplies. We are committed to fostering future leaders in agriculture and provide comprehensive tools and resources to help talented individuals solidify their career paths within the sector.

Internship Program Purpose:
The 2026 Facility Operations Summer Internship Program at Innovative Ag Services is designed to cultivate future leaders by offering a robust, “hands-on” learning experience. Interns will gain invaluable practical knowledge and experience across various facets of agricultural business operations. This program aims to equip students with a deep understanding of cooperative functions while contributing vital operational support to IAS and its member-owners in a safe and effective manner.

Key Learning Areas & Day-to-Day Operational Duties:
Interns will engage in a variety of daily operational duties and benefit from diverse training opportunities, which may include:

• Crop Nutrient & Protection Operations: Gaining practical experience in operating and managing crop nutrient and crop protection mixing and blending facilities, including the precise utilization of work orders and field maps for accurate product formulation and distribution.
• Equipment & Facility Maintenance: Participating in the preventative maintenance and repair of essential location equipment and facilities, learning about the upkeep necessary for smooth and safe operations.
• Logistics & Distribution: Assisting with the efficient distribution of farm supply products from IAS facilities directly to customers, which includes learning and applying effective dispatching techniques.
• Warehouse Management: Contributing to warehouse orderliness, maintaining high standards of housekeeping, and implementing inventory control techniques and procedures to ensure accuracy and efficiency in supply chain management.
• Custom Application Practices: Accompanying experienced teams to perform custom application practices and techniques for agronomy products, with a focus on integrating and utilizing precision technology for optimal results.
• Crop Scouting: Developing essential agronomy skills through crop scouting techniques and procedures, working alongside a dedicated crop advisor or an experienced crop scouting intern to identify and manage field conditions.
• Agronomy Marketing & Sales Support: Engaging with a member of the IAS Agronomy Advisor Team to learn about and assist in the marketing of Innovative Advanced Solutions, understanding client needs and product benefits.
• Precision Ag Technology: Participating in the installation and calibration of precision agriculture technology, working closely with an IAS Precision Ag Tech to implement cutting-edge farming solutions.
• Grain Facility Operations: Comprehensive involvement in the operations of both truck and rail grain houses, covering receiving, blending, and load-out procedures to understand the entire grain handling process.
• Grain Quality Control: Learning and performing standard procedures for weighing, probing samples of, and accurately grading grain according to industry standards and regulations.
• Grain Merchandising & Origination: Gaining insight into the complex world of grain origination, settlement processes, and merchandising strategies, potentially involving exposure at both location and specialized grain merchandising offices.
• Counter Sales & Store Operations: Acquiring direct customer service and retail experience through counter sales and general store operations, enhancing communication and sales skills.
• Safety Compliance: Active participation in all company safety training programs and diligent adherence to safety policies and procedures across all assigned tasks, emphasizing a culture of workplace safety.

Requirements Include:

• Licensing: Ability to obtain a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a hazmat endorsement, or at minimum, a seasonal CDL. Candidates’ Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) must meet IAS insurance guidelines.
• Interpersonal Skills: Possess strong people skills, demonstrate good phone etiquette, the ability to follow directions accurately, and a commitment to meeting deadlines effectively.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Adaptability:

• Physical Demands: Requires static strength to lift, push, pull, or carry objects with a minimum weight of 50 pounds. Also necessitates flexibility to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with the body, arms, and/or legs. Trunk strength and the ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time are essential. Some tasks will involve repetitive motion.
• Work Environment: This position operates within an agricultural environment, which may involve possible exposure to seasonal weather conditions, various outdoor elements, and agricultural products.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Personal Protective Equipment may be required for certain tasks to ensure safety and compliance.