Cropping and Equipment Specialist

Kemin Industries; Kelley (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Uncapped bonus opportunities

401k match

Paid vacation & holidays

Fitness reimbursement

On-site gym & dining

Tuition reimbursement & learning

Job summary

Kemin Industries Specialty Crop Improvement seeks a hands-on farm operations professional for the Kelley Research Farm. The role covers daily management of cultivation, spraying, harvesting, and equipment maintenance, with involvement in research initiatives on specialty crops.

You will test new equipment, follow SOPs, collect data, and contribute to continuous improvement in field operations. Responsibilities include leading maintenance, performing diagnostics, coordinating with dealers, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Agriculture/Maintenance with 3+ years of related experience.
• HS diploma with 7+ years of related experience.
• Experience operating and maintaining farm equipment.
• Welding and plasma cutting experience.
• Iowa pesticide applicator certification or ability to obtain.
• Safe forklift operation and license capability.
• English proficiency; Spanish is a plus.
• Proficient in MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead equipment maintenance program and document service performed.
• Diagnose issues and perform repairs/adjustments on equipment.
• Develop contacts with third-party dealers for parts and troubleshooting.
• Set up, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, modify equipment.
• Plan and execute field testing of specialty equipment with Cropping Research Manager.
• Record findings and write reports on conditions and performance.
• Implement precision planting techniques for uniform stands.
• Develop cultivation strategies for specialty crops with new equipment.
• Assist in material handling and processing procedures for Specialty Crops.
• Conduct field establishment and applications and other field ops at Kelley Farm.
• Maintain irrigation, grounds, and building conditions on property.
• Assist with on-farm tours and customer visits.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Skills

Farm equipment operation

Welding

Pesticide applicator certification

Forklift operation

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

English proficiency

Spanish language beneficial

General equipment diagnostics

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture or Maintenance related field

High School Diploma with 7+ years of related experience

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

Kemin Industries Specialty Crop Improvement is seeking a passionate and innovative team member to join our farm operations team, where cutting-edge research meets hands‑on agriculture.

Overview

Kemin Industries Specialty Crop Improvement is seeking a passionate and innovative team member to join our farm operations team, where cutting‑edge research meets hands‑on agriculture. This is a unique opportunity for a hands‑on agricultural professional who thrives in both farm operations and innovation. The role supports daily farm management across cultivation, spraying, harvesting, equipment maintenance, service, and diagnostics, while also contributing to research initiatives focused on specialty crops including spearmint, marigold, rosemary, oregano, and Chinese lanterns. We're looking for a creative, research‑minded problem solver who is comfortable operating large farm equipment, adaptable when plans change mid‑process, and excited to test new equipment, follow SOPs, collect data, and help drive continuous improvement in the field. This position is located at the Research Farm in Kelley, Iowa.

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family‑owned‑and‑operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet. We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come. We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines. We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

Benefits

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well‑being:

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on‑site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in‑house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post‑secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute equipment maintenance program and document service performed in a log.
• Diagnose issues and make necessary repairs and adjustments to equipment.
• Develop personal contacts with third‑party equipment dealers, service, and parts departments for parts acquisition and troubleshooting maintenance.
• Set up, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, modify, and operate agricultural implements and components.
• Plan and execute field testing of specialty agriculture equipment in consultation with Cropping Research Manager and other SCI teams.
• Record findings and create written reports to document conditions, performance, quality, and work performed by specialty agriculture equipment in novel cropping systems.
• Implement techniques for precision planting of specialty crops to achieve uniform plant stands.
• Identify and develop strategies for cultivation of specialty crops with a focus on mechanical weed control solutions using new or experimental equipment to reduce manual labor.
• Assist in development of procedures for material handling and processing of Specialty Crops as they become commercial in consultation with Cropping Research Manager.
• Conduct field establishment (transplanting, seeding, etc.), field applications (fertility inputs, pesticides, etc.), and other field operations (cultivation, manual weed control, etc.) at SCI Kelley Research Farm.
• Participate in maintenance of all farm irrigation equipment/stations/ponds, grounds maintenance (landscaping, grass ways, etc.), and building maintenance (storage, workspaces, etc.) on the property.
• Participate in on‑farm preparation for tours and customer visits to the SCI Kelley Research Farm.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
  • Bachelors Degree in an Agriculture or Maintenance related field with 3+ years of related experience OR
  • High School Diploma with 7+ years of related experience
• Experience with operation and maintenance of various farm equipment
• Welding (shielded metal arc welding, "stick") and plasma cutting experience.
• Must have or be able to acquire a pesticide applicators certificate for the state of Iowa
• Safe forklift operation and ability to maintain a forklift license
• Proficient in English, multilingual (Spanish) is a benefit
• Must have basic computer skills, including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, etc

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

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

Kemin is a drug‑free and tobacco‑free campus.