Summer Field Crew ( May - August 2025)

Kemin is looking for a motivated individual that would like to gain hands on field agronomy and agricultural experience while playing an important role in supporting our Specialty Crop program!

Kemin’s Specialty Crops program develops unique botanical sources of novel functional molecules for business unit product development. The Summer Field Crew team will play an important role in supporting daily field and greenhouse operations as part of the Research Agronomy Team within Kemin Industries’ Specialty Crop Improvement (SCI) Unit.

This position will work 40 hours/week over the summer months only (May-Aug).

The Summer Field Crew will report to the Research Agronomy Manager

and/or Research Agronomist as part of the research agronomy section of SCI

at Kemin’s Research Agronomy Center in Kelley, Iowa.

This position may also perform work at other field research stations

as well as Kemin’s main campus in Des Moines, IA.

We Are Kemin 

We are visionaries who see things differently and are inspired by the world around us.  

We have been dedicated to using applied science to improve the quality of life for over half a century.   

We are a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services.  

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products to customers around the world.   

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 2,800 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.

As a Kemin team member, you’ll receive…

• A competitive financial package- in addition to your salary, we offer a 401k match program
• Robust health and wellness support- we are proud to offer a fitness reimbursement (for your whole family!), an on-site fitness center, restaurant with seasonal fresh food options (and the ability to order food to bring home), and free fresh fruit in break areas- to name a few.
• The chance to give back to our world- Through our foundation of servant leadership, we are proud to offer ample service opportunities, including paid time off to do so. Kemin has a valued corporate partnership with both The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, in addition to many local initiatives.
• Opportunities to support our valued educators- Kemin is a proud sponsor of the Iowa Governor's Stem Advisory Council where we fund annual teacher's awards. In addition, we have a robust internship and externship program, and frequently host student tours.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct work in an outdoor environment between May to September annually.
• Work primarily in Story County Iowa at the Kemin Research Agronomy Center farming operations (A New Employee Orientation session is required and is held in Des Moines, Iowa, at the Kemin Industries Headquarters).
• Perform manual labor duties as required in establishing and maintaining plants in fields, research plots, and greenhouses.
• Transplant nursery and breeding material using a mechanical transplanter.
• Hand cultivate and weed fields and experimental plots.
• Use mowers and trimmers to maintain grounds.
• Provide manual labor as needed for harvesting and sampling operations.
• Assist in routine cleaning and maintenance of farm equipment and vehicles.
• Participate in customer tours of the Kemin Research Agronomy Center farming operations.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have valid driving license and own transportation to Kelley Research Agronomy Center (approximately 8 miles south of Ames, IA).
• Must adhere to best practices and safety training to maintain a safe working environment.
• Must be able to work in a team and independently as needed.
• Must be willing to work in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to learn quickly and demonstrate strong work ethic.
• Flexibility in hours worked and availability for some weekends.
• Experience with farming, landscaping, or outside manual labor is desired; but not essential.
• A passion for plants and working in a field/greenhouse environment.
• This position requires physical exertion.

The Summer Field Crew will report to the Research Agronomy Manager and/or Research Agronomist as part of the research agronomy section of SCI at Kemin’s Research Agronomy Center in Kelley, Iowa; but may work at other field research stations as well as Kemin’s main campus in Des Moines, IA.

Kemin is an equal opportunity employer, and all reasonable accommodation will be considered.

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required. Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

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Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $18.00 - $20.34 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Agriculture: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Kelley, IA 50134 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20