Summary: Battlefield Farms offers internships to students enrolled in horticulture or plant science related programs that are seeking to gain hands-on commercial growing experience.  We try to match a work experience with a student’s talents and interests. Interns are paired with a Mentor or Growing Supervisor and get to be involved with the day-to-day responsibilities of growing high quality ornamental potted plants outside in fields and inside the greenhouses.

Internship Learning Objectives:

• Irrigation techniques for potted plants outdoors and indoors. Techniques include watering by hand, installing drips lines and operating automated irrigation systems.
• Read and Interpret SDS’s, Chemical Labels, learn to mix concentrations for chemical applications, wear personal protective equipment, (gloves, goggles, spray suit, respirator, boots)
• Monitor plants and root system health
• Scout for insects and diseases and record insect populations with sticky cards
• Collect samples of soil, water and plant material for testing.
• Track crop height using graphical tracking
• Maintain accurate records of crops, spray records, etc…
• Follow all safety rules and obtain a VDACS Private Pesticide Applicator License

Qualifications

• Enrolled in Horticulture education program or related field
• Minimum age of 18

R&D Assistant Grower Responsibilities:

• Irrigate plants outdoors and indoors. Techniques include watering by hand, installing drips lines and operating automated irrigation systems.
• Read and Interpret Chemical Labels, mix concentrations for chemical applications, wear personal protective equipment, (gloves, goggles, spray suit, respirator, boots)
• Dig holes, plant in the ground by hand, pull and spray weeds, trim plants in trial garden, maintain garden areas, move fertilizer bags, ride a bicycle and wear a backpack sprayer up to 50 lbs.
• Collect data, take photos with a camera, use computer and software to record and upload data, save files to appropriate locations on computer or portal.
• Collect samples of soil, water and plant material for testing.
• Transplant trials. Move, carry, pick up and space plants by hand. Dispose of plant materials when directed.
• Drive an electric cart carrying rolling carts with shelves loaded with plants. Travel to several areas of the facility and property, carrying equipment, plants and tools

Qualifications

• Horticulture education or related field is highly preferred
• Must be able to obtain a VDACS Pesticide Applicator Certification from VDACS within 6 months of employment.
• At least 3 months Greenhouse, nursery or agricultural experience is required

Skills and Attributes:

• Knowledgeable of moisture levels
• Must operate agricultural equipment safely, including but not limited to a Dosotron Chemical Injector, Backpack sprayer, and watering tools.
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions, (heat, rain, cold), and work with soil, plants and possible allergens.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced physically demanding environment
• Comfort working with basic science and math concepts is required
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, evenings and weekends
• Electronic Recordkeeping and competence with Microsoft Office Outlook, Excel, Word, and Powerpoint.
• Comfort operating a camera, tablet, computer or smart phone for data collection.
• Observation skills in regards to plant health and identification of insects, diseases and plant pathogens.
• Must have reliable transportation to work, regular attendance is essential
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English. (Spanish conversational skills are helpful)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Benefits:

• Medical Plan Options
• Health Savings Account
• Dental
• Vision
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Life and AD&D
• 401 K Retirement Plan
• Paid time off
• Paid Personal time
• Paid Vacation time
• Employee Assistance Program