UAV Field Measurement Intern – Northern Illinois

Company Description: 

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of the soil microbiome, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in agriculture. Our first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops.  We are dedicated to providing new sustainable ways for farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the world’s growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes on PBS News Hour. 

Position: UAV Field Measurement Intern, Preferred Location: Remote within Northern Illinois

Timeline: Summer 2022 Internship May - August 2022

The field measurement team is looking for immediate help to expand our UAV flight perations, establish key field protocols, and collect critical data related to product advancement. This position will be boots-on-the-ground for conducting field visits and equipment operations using state-of-the-art instruments such as UAVs, multispectral and other advanced sensors, RTK GNSS, etc.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in field data collection by conducting various drone flights, operating GNSS equipment and handheld sensors, collecting crop tissue samples, etc.
• Assist in data ingestion and quality control
• Support agronomist and trial managers with regular field observations and updates  
• Support image processing as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Demands:

• Routinely walking, scouting, sampling, and working in production corn fields with varying summer elements 
• Driving between farm sites and other locations as needed
• Willing to travel (60-80% work is remote)
• Regularly lifting objects (up to 60 lbs.)

Qualifications and Experience:

• Having career experience or currently pursuing a bachelor’s or higher degree in one of the following: Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Crop Sciences, Soil Science, Ecology, Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing, and/or related field
• Licensed UAV pilot or willing to become licensed prior to starting
• Must have high attention to detail
• Must be able to learn technical skills of equipment operation
• Preferred, experience in agriculture and/or research field trials
• Preferred, experience operating UAVs, RTK GNSS, and advanced sensors
• Preferred, experience working with remotely sensed data in a geospatial software
• 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
• Must be at least 21 years old for rental car purposes

Must be authorized to work in the United States

What we offer:

• Exciting opportunity to contribute to and work with a talented and fun team
• Opportunity to gain real-world, practical experience in your field of interest