Greenhouse and Field Research Internship

PAY STATUS:  Hourly; Non-Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:  Lee Opdahl

LOCATION: Greenhouse & Laboratory in Balaton, MN

EFFECTIVE DATE:  May 2027 – August 2027

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:  Corporate Technology

Internship Summary

Join Ralco’s Agronomy team for a hands-on paid internship focused on data collection, trial monitoring, and research support across our greenhouse and field trials. Interns will collaborate with technical staff, contribute to R&D projects, and gain valuable experience in agronomics, data management, and professional development.

You’ll assist with research tasks, attend meetings, and work on assignments tailored to your field of study. The internship also offers job shadowing opportunities across departments such as animal nutrition, sales, finance, marketing, and more giving you a well-rounded view of the business.

We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals eager to learn, contribute ideas, and grow within a dynamic team environment. This internship description is not meant to be all inclusive.

Responsibilities

• Support staff in project tasks
• Conduct research and report findings from greenhouse trials
• Travel to field trial locations across the Midwest to take measurements and report findings
• Perform administrative tasks as needed
• Shadow multiple office positions and train in a variety of tasks

Qualifications

• Assist with daily tasks related to their field of study or department
• Strong desire to learn along with professional drive
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Collaborating with team members and departments on projects
• Passion for the industry and its best practices
• Ability to multitask and take initiative
• Carry out research and gather data
• Physical labor (lifting, digging, field work, etc)
• Reside in, or willing to move to SW Minnesota for the summer
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Education Requirements

• High school or college students (HS students must be junior or senior)
• Desired career focus in science- or agriculture-related fields

Applications for the 2027 Summer Agronomy Internship will open October 1, 2026. 

Apply online at: https://www.ralcoagriculture.com/careers/

For further information contact: 

Lee Opdahl

Agronomy R&D Manager

Office Number: 507-337-6962