Agriculture Marketing & Research Intern

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Agriculture Marketing & Research Intern 🔹 Company: Return 🔹 Location: Stewartville, MN (Fully-remote or hybrid) 🔹 Job Type: Internship 🔹 Category: Agriculture, Marketing, Research 🔹 Date Posted: May 13, 2025 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: 1. Trend Spotting: Research and analyze emerging practices, products, and grower needs to inform product development. 2. Soil Health & Market Research: Compile and summarize research, trial data, and grower feedback to support decision-making. 3. Digital Marketing Support: Assist with email campaigns, digital content creation, and outreach to farmers. 4. Sales Tool & Messaging Development: Propose new ways to reach and support growers through tools, content, or strategy. 5. Capstone/Research Opportunities: Pitch your own capstone project or help build partnerships with university-led research initiatives. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong interest in regenerative agriculture and sustainable growing inputs. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn and contribute to a dynamic, growing team. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Trend Spotting in Agronomy: - Research and analyze emerging practices, products, and grower needs to inform product development. - Stay updated on industry trends and provide regular reports to the marketing and sales teams. ✅ Soil Health & Market Research: - Compile and summarize research, trial data, and grower feedback to support decision-making. - Assist in the preparation of research reports and presentations. ✅ Support Digital Marketing Campaigns: - Assist with email campaigns, digital content creation, and outreach to farmers. - Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure campaigns align with overall marketing strategy. ✅ Sales Tools & Messaging: - Propose new ways to reach and support growers through tools, content, or strategy. - Work closely with the sales team to develop and refine sales tools and messaging. ✅ Capstone/Research Opportunities: - Pitch your own capstone project or help build partnerships with university-led research initiatives. - Contribute to ongoing research projects and initiatives. ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong research, analytical, and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work independently. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Current undergraduate or Master’s student in Agronomy, Ag Marketing, Ag Business, or a related field. Experience: - None required, but relevant coursework or internship experience is a plus. Required Skills: - Strong organization, research, and writing skills. - Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Meet). - Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects. Preferred Skills: - Familiarity with Slack, project management tools (Monday), and design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva). - Knowledge of regenerative agriculture and sustainable growing inputs. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be self-starters with a strong interest in regenerative agriculture and sustainable growing inputs. They should also be comfortable working remotely and managing their own time. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $15-$18 per hour (based on experience level and industry standards for internships) Benefits: - Flexible schedule, built around your academic calendar. - Remote or hybrid opportunity (if based near Stewartville, MN; manager will be remote). - Eligible for college credit. - Hands-on experience across marketing, agronomy, and business development. - A fun, approachable team with a mentorship-forward culture. - Opportunity to contribute your ideas and creativity directly to a brand that cares about healthy soil, healthy plants, and a healthy planet. Working Hours: Part-time, with a flexible schedule. ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for internships in agriculture, marketing, and research fields. The actual salary may vary based on experience and performance. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Agriculture, focusing on regenerative and sustainable growing practices. Company Size: Small (11-50 employees), allowing for close-knit collaboration and growth opportunities. Founded: 2009, with a strong commitment to organic and sustainable growing supplies. Company Description: - Return sets out to “produce quality, good-for-the-Earth growing supplies that help grow a healthy soil, food, people, and planet.” - Since 2009, they’ve been serving organic growing supplies to midwestern farmers and expanded nationwide in 2023. - Return offers eco-friendly products that help cultivate vibrant plants, with a focus on soil health and sustainability. Company Specialties: - Compost, organic fertilizer, and sustainable fertilizer production. - Custom amendments and soil health solutions. - Serving both farmers and everyday gardeners nationwide. Company Website: returnco.com ASSUMPTION: Return is a mission-driven company focused on regenerative agriculture and sustainable growing practices. They value candidates who share their commitment to environmental stewardship and are eager to learn and grow within the organization. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level, with opportunities for growth and career advancement. Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing and Sales Manager, with close collaboration with the Sales and Agronomy teams. Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with the option for fully-remote work for the right candidate. The manager will be remote, and regular virtual check-ins will be scheduled. Growth Opportunities: - Contribute to ongoing research projects and initiatives. - Develop and refine sales tools and messaging. - Pitch your own capstone project or help build partnerships with university-led research initiatives. - Gain hands-on experience across marketing, agronomy, and business development. ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a variety of fields and contribute directly to a growing, mission-driven company. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid, with the option for fully-remote work. Office Location: Stewartville, MN (with remote work flexibility). Geographic Context: - Stewartville, Minnesota, is a small city located in the southeastern part of Minnesota, with a population of approximately 6,000 people. - The city is known for its rich agricultural history and close-knit community. - The surrounding area offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and hunting. Work Schedule: - Part-time, with a flexible schedule built around the intern’s academic calendar. - Regular virtual check-ins will be scheduled to ensure progress and provide support. ASSUMPTION: The flexible work arrangement allows interns to balance their academic responsibilities with their internship duties, fostering a positive work-life balance. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Submit your application through the provided link. 2. Complete a brief phone or video screening to discuss your qualifications and interest in the role. 3. Participate in a virtual interview with the Marketing and Sales Manager and a member of the Agronomy team. 4. Receive a decision within one week of the final interview. Key Assessment Areas: 1. Knowledge of regenerative agriculture and sustainable growing inputs. 2. Research and analytical skills. 3. Communication and presentation skills. 4. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects. Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant coursework, internship experience, and skills. 2. Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, initiative, and adaptability. 3. Research Return’s mission, values, and commitment to regenerative agriculture to demonstrate your fit for the role. ATS Keywords: Agriculture, Marketing, Research, Trend Spotting, Soil Health, Regenerative Agriculture, Sales Development, Digital Marketing, Google Workspace, Project Management, Design Software, Internship ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and cultural fit for the role. Return values candidates who are passionate about their mission, eager to learn, and committed to environmental stewardship. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Meet) - Slack (preferred, but not required) - Project management tools (Monday, Asana, Trello, etc.) - Design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.) ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is preferred but not required. Return is willing to provide training and support to help the intern succeed in their role. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Dig Deeper: Respect wisdom, trust your vision, and always challenge convention. - Get Rooted: Dig in to make a positive impact on our community and our planet. - Hold Your Ground: Commit to regeneration—not just with our soil, but ourselves. - Keep Growing: Find purpose, focus on progression, and we’ll all grow as a whole. Work Style: - Collaborative and supportive team environment. - Open communication and regular check-ins. - Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and projects. Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you align with Return’s core values, specifically “Dig Deeper” and “Get Rooted”? 2. Describe a time when you had to “Hold Your Ground” and commit to a long-term goal or project. 3. How do you approach “Keep Growing” both personally and professionally, and how would you apply this concept to your role at Return? ASSUMPTION: Return values candidates who are passionate about their mission, eager to learn, and committed to environmental stewardship. They seek team members who align with their core values and work style, and who are eager to contribute to their growing, mission-driven company. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Remote Work: While flexible, remote work may require self-motivation and time management skills to maintain productivity and stay connected with the team. 2. Changing Priorities: The role may involve shifting priorities and projects based on the company’s needs and market demands. 3. Work-Life Balance: Balancing academic responsibilities with internship duties may require strong time management and organizational skills. ASSUMPTION: Return is committed to supporting their interns in overcoming these challenges and fostering a positive, productive work environment. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. How this role differs from related positions: - This role offers a unique blend of marketing, sales development, and research responsibilities, with a strong focus on regenerative agriculture and sustainable growing inputs. - Unlike traditional marketing or sales roles, this internship requires a strong background in agronomy or a related field and an interest in research and data analysis. 2. Industry-specific context: - The agriculture industry is experiencing a growing demand for regenerative and sustainable practices, creating new opportunities for professionals with relevant skills and knowledge. - This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a growing, mission-driven company focused on environmental stewardship. 3. Career path comparison: - This internship can serve as a stepping stone to a career in marketing, sales, or research within the agriculture industry, with a focus on regenerative and sustainable practices. - The skills and experience gained in this role can also be valuable in related fields, such as environmental consulting, non-profit organizations, or government agencies focused on sustainability and conservation. ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a variety of fields and contribute directly to a growing, mission-driven company focused on regenerative agriculture and sustainable growing practices. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Trend Spotting in Agronomy: - Conduct a comprehensive analysis of emerging practices, products, and grower needs in the regenerative agriculture space. - Develop a trend report and presentation to inform product development and marketing strategy. 2. Soil Health & Market Research: - Collaborate with the Agronomy team to design and conduct a market research study on soil health practices and products. - Analyze the data and develop recommendations to inform marketing and sales strategies. 3. Digital Marketing Campaign: - Assist in the development and execution of a targeted email campaign to promote a new product or service. - Monitor campaign performance and provide regular updates to the marketing team. ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to illustrate the types of initiatives an intern in this role might work on, but the specific projects may vary based on the company’s needs and priorities. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role Responsibilities: - Can you describe a typical day or week in this role? - How do the responsibilities of this role fit within the broader marketing and sales teams? 2. Team Structure: - How does this role collaborate with other teams, such as Sales and Agronomy? - What is the team structure and dynamic like within the Marketing and Sales department? 3. Growth Opportunities: - What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within this role and the company? - How does Return support the professional development of their interns and employees? 4. Company Culture: - How would you describe the company culture and work environment at Return? - What are some examples of how Return lives out their core values in their day-to-day operations? 5. Work-Life Balance: - How does Return support work-life balance for their interns and employees? - What resources or programs does the company offer to help interns manage their academic responsibilities alongside their internship duties? ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, team structure, growth opportunities, and company culture at Return. They are encouraged to ask additional questions specific to their interests and concerns. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the following link: [Application Link] 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant coursework, internship experience, and skills. 3. Prepare for a brief phone or video screening to discuss your qualifications and interest in the role. 4. Participate in a virtual interview with the Marketing and Sales Manager and a member of the Agronomy team. 5. Receive a decision within one week of the final interview. ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.