2026 Facility Operations Summer Internship Program

Job Description

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Job Title: 2026 Facility Operations Summer Internship Program

Company: Innovative Ag Services (IAS)

About Innovative Ag Services:
Innovative Ag Services (IAS) is a leading full-service farm cooperative dedicated to empowering our member owners with a complete line of high-quality supplies and essential services. We pride ourselves on delivering value-added products and comprehensive solutions across the grain, agronomy, feed, energy, and building supply markets. With 30 strategic locations spanning northeast and central Iowa, and southwest Wisconsin, IAS proudly serves over 5,000 members and stands as one of Iowa’s Top Agricultural Cooperatives. We are committed to recruiting and developing talented individuals who will not only contribute to our success today but also emerge as future leaders within the dynamic agricultural sector.

About the Internship Program:
Our 2026 Facility Operations Summer Internship Program is designed to provide ambitious students with unparalleled hands-on experience and a deep dive into the operational backbone of a thriving agricultural cooperative. IAS is committed to equipping interns with the necessary tools and resources to master the intricacies of our business, gain practical skills, and solidify their career trajectory within the diverse agricultural landscape. This program is an exceptional opportunity for individuals passionate about agriculture to grow professionally and personally within a supportive and innovative environment.

Primary Objective of the Internship:
The core objective of this internship is to enable participants to gain extensive “hands-on” knowledge and practical experience across multiple facets of agricultural business. Interns will contribute valuable operational abilities to the company, ensuring all tasks are performed in a safe and effective manner, ultimately benefiting both IAS and its valued member owners.

Key Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities:
Interns will engage in diverse day-to-day operational duties, with comprehensive training opportunities in one or more of the following critical areas:

• Facility Operations: Operating state-of-the-art crop nutrient and crop protection mixing and blending facilities, including precise utilization of work orders and field maps.
• Maintenance & Repair: Performing preventative maintenance and executing essential repairs on location equipment and facilities to ensure optimal functionality and safety.
• Logistics & Distribution: Managing the efficient distribution of farm supply products from IAS facilities directly to customers, alongside learning advanced dispatching techniques.
• Warehouse Management: Implementing best practices for warehouse orderliness, meticulous housekeeping, and effective inventory control techniques and procedures.
• Custom Application: Accompanying and actively participating in custom application practices and techniques for agronomy products, including the application of cutting-edge precision technology.
• Crop Scouting: Developing and refining crop scouting techniques and procedures, working closely with an experienced crop advisor or a fellow crop scouting intern.
• Agricultural Marketing: Gaining insights into the marketing of Innovative Advanced Solutions, working alongside a dedicated member of the IAS Agronomy Advisor Team.
• Precision Ag Technology: Participating directly in the installation of advanced precision agriculture technology with an IAS Precision Ag Tech specialist.
• Grain Operations: Engaging in comprehensive grain facility operations for both truck and rail houses, covering receiving, blending, and load-out procedures.
• Grain Quality Control: Mastering industry standards for weighing, probing samples of, and grading grain.
• Grain Merchandising: Learning about grain origination, settlement, and merchandising processes at various locations and/or dedicated grain merchandising offices.
• Sales & Retail: Gaining valuable experience in counter sales and general store operations.
• Safety & Compliance: Active participation in all company safety training programs and diligent practice of safety policies & procedures across all assigned tasks.

Requirements Include:

• CDL Requirement: Ability to obtain a Class A or B CDL with a hazmat endorsement, or minimally a seasonal CDL. All candidates must have a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) that successfully passes IAS insurance guidelines.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated strong people skills, excellent phone etiquette, and the ability to effectively follow directions and meet deadlines consistently.

Physical Requirements & Environmental Adaptability:

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

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