Why you should join us:

At Sound Agriculture, we believe our food system can nourish consumers while benefiting farming communities and the planet. Through a deeper understanding of plant and microbial biology, we are leveraging the natural power of plants to make agriculture more agile and resilient. Our work focuses on developing nutrient efficiency products and modernizing plant breeding to improve the way we farm and the food we eat.

Sound is a Series D startup funded by leading investors in food and agriculture including Leaps by Bayer, Syngenta Group Ventures, S2G Ventures, BMO Impact Investment Fund, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Fall Line Capital, Cavallo Ventures, FootPrint Coalition and Northpond Ventures.

What you'll do:

The Agronomy team has an opportunity for a skilled and motivated intern to help us expand our understanding of Source performance across different field situations with current customers. The internship experience includes executing established key field protocols, taking samples for critical data related to product advancement, conducting training/field days for dealers/growers and presenting findings regularly to the team. Ideal candidates have experience in growing or working directly with cotton producers, are highly detailed and accurate in recording plant measurements and field observations, and are able to effectively communicate what’s been learned/observed to the team. 

The Agronomy Intern reports to the Agronomy Manager for the Eastern Region and is based remotely in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, or Arkansas. There is a travel expectation of approximately 50-60% within the assigned territory. Reliable transportation is required. 

The internship program begins in late May and ends in early to mid-August depending on individual needs and availability. 

Compensation Target

$17.00 per hour

Interns are not eligible for company provided benefits or equity. 

Primary Responsibilities

Assist with the implementation of product research trial protocols in designated geographies
Scout assigned customer fields throughout the year for any stress, pests, or other field issues
Participate in soil, plant, root and other forms of research sampling and data collection throughout the growing season
Work with accounts to collect field data and establish digital connections 
Monitor work for accuracy, manage multiple responsibilities, and maintain professionalism
Support the Agronomy team with field observations and updates
Utilize drones, imagery and other forms of remote sensing to evaluate field trials
Visit and conduct QA/QC inspection of 3rd party trials in designated territory
Develop a field-based learning project/protocol and present project objective and results upon completion of internship to the manager and present to the broader team
Other duties as assigned

Targeted Skills and Experience

Currently pursuing a degree in Agronomy, Crop Sciences, Soil Science and/or related field
Experience with cotton is strongly preferred
Valid driver's license with a safe driving record
Strong verbal and communication skills
Ability to self-manage time and execute on assigned responsibilities
Must live in assigned territory

This position includes physical demands such as walking, scouting, sampling, and working in production cropping fields with varying weather and elements, driving between farm sites and other locations as needed, some overnight travel, and regularly lifting objects (up to 60 lbs). 

This role demonstrates our core values of

Boldness, by jumping into large datasets and wrangling them into shape, learning new skills (with our help!) to operate more effectively and getting to know our farmer customers up close and personal. 
Ownership, by understanding the overall agronomic goals and forming a consensus. Then working until the Agronomy team & you are satisfied that the results are in good enough shape to achieve the desired deliverable.
Tenacity, by pushing to approach problems with curiosity and innovation to deliver a high-quality, positive impact.
Creativity, by helping to think of new ways to think about our data and/or bringing in new tools or methods to help us all work better in the field.

What we offer:

Opportunity to work in a disruptive startup with a talented, experienced, and growing team of dedicated individuals
Competitive total rewards package, including equity
Performance bonus structure or uncapped commission plan for sales positions
Comprehensive health care plans that include Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
Flex Spending Account (Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter Benefit)
401(k) with company match
Generous flexible paid time off
Paid parental leave
Mental health and wellbeing benefits 
In-person and virtual events and engagement activities (we actually like hanging out with each other!) (e.g. First Fridays, Meditation, Potlucks, Cultural Events, Running and Climbing groups, Photo Contests, weekly Team lunch, etc.)

Sound Agriculture does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies responding to job postings. We will not respond to unsolicited requests to submit candidates.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.

Sound participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Sound is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before Sound takes any action, including terminating your employment.