Field Associate II (Waterman, IL)

Bayer CropScience Limited; Waterman (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Vision and dental

Retirement plan

PTO

Sick leave

Domestic relocation may be provided

Job summary

Bayer CropScience is seeking a Field Associate II in Waterman, IL to support an R&D field trial program across multiple crops. The role involves coordinating with growers, supervising seasonal staff, and assisting with phenotyping and data analysis throughout the growing season.

The candidate will operate tractors, planters, drones, and other technologies, while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and ethics standards. Travel up to 15% and extended hours may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or degree by December 2026.
• Strong technical aptitude with data management.
• Able to learn and operate research agriculture equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Valid driver's license; driving record reviewed.
• DOT medical card or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to obtain Pesticide and Drone licenses.
• Experience working in a team-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with growers on leased land space and supervise local staff.
• Conduct in-season phenotyping, study management, and data analytics.
• Ensure safety and compliance with HSE, quality, and ethics standards.
• Operate field equipment including tractors, planters, harvesters, and drones.
• Collaborate with cross-site teams to improve data quality and procedures.
• Travel up to 15% and accommodate extended hours during peak seasons.

Skills

Technical aptitude

Team collaboration

Communication

Driver's license

DOT/FMCSA knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Precision agriculture hardware

Drone technology

Data management systems

Job description

Field Associate II (Waterman, IL)

At Bayer we're visionaries, driven to solve the world's toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none' is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We're doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining 'impossible'. There are so many reasons to join us. If you're hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there's only one choice.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Field Associate II is a field-facing role responsible for contributing to an R&D Field Trial program in crops such as corn, soybean, wheat, cotton, canola, and biofuels, depending on the region. Primary responsibilities of the Field Associate II role: coordinate with growers on leased land space; assist with acquiring and supervising local staffing during in-season activities, assist with conducting in-season research activities such as phenotyping, study management, and data analytics review as part of overseeing and executing research trials that feed the R&D pipeline. Additionally, the role will partner with other Field Associates on site as well as other cross site functions on initiatives to improve data quality, standard operating procedures, or quality/compliance actions.

• Ensure safe and efficient operation of the research program in alignment with Bayer's HSE (Health Safety & Environment), Quality, Compliance and Stewardship requirements, and Business Code of Conduct and Ethics Standards;
• Collaborate with project team members to deliver detailed experimental protocols that enable advancement decisions by our scientists and product placement decisions for our customers;
• Use equipment like tractors and specialized planters, modified commercial harvesters, commercial drones, and other technologies and digital tools to collect, analyze, and deliver data on various agronomic traits in a timely manner throughout the growing season. Leverage knowledge of internal operations to work with internal partners on cutting edge innovation and proof of concept projects focused on improving tools and processes;
• Self-motive, problem solve, and make decisions with respect to time, prioritization, and project management;
• Build and leverage networks across diverse teams and functions, as well as establishing and maintain partnerships in the local community, including but not limited to local leaders, influencers, and growers;
• Supervise and direct third-party labor or seasonal staff to achieve trial and business objectives;
• Communicate across teams and leaders, with the ability to be agile, open to change, and engaged in continuous learning;
• Partner with manager on a targeted business and personal development goal plan that aligns with Bayer's Dynamic Shared Ownership values, leverage opportunities and empower the innovative and digitally advanced environment to grow in your career and impact the Crop Science business;
• Travel up to 15% of the time particularly during peak seasons;
• Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons (including non-traditional day-time hours with the potential for overnight travel);
• This position requires the ability to drive a company vehicle. This may include driving greater than 5,000 business miles annually in a company supplied (pool) vehicle OR being expected to frequently drive a pool vehicle as part of your job duties – regardless of mileage;
• Position may require driving for the company that will fall under region-specific jurisdictions (US DOT/FMCSA) and may require a specialized license, enabling the hauling of trailers, products, supplies or equipment in a safe manner.

Physical Demands of required tasks

• Ability to safely lift 50lbs;
• Work in conditions that require sitting, standing, walking for extended periods;
• Ability to work in high and low temperatures in a field setting;
• Capable of working long hours, primarily during the peak busy field season.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree OR Knowledge of BS/BA degree completed by December 2026;
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to work with connected systems and data management;
• Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative team-based environment;
• Ability to learn and operate research agriculture equipment, including precision agriculture technology;
• Knowledge or ability to learn region-specific crop production and farming practices;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Valid driver's license; Driving record (MVR) will be reviewed and must meet guidelines based on the company's Risk Screening for Hiring Drivers;
• DOT medical card or the ability to obtain one through successfully completing and passing a DOT physical. In addition, candidates must be able to meet all applicable DOT/FMCSA criteria. Drivers with previous DOT driving experience may be required to undergo FMCSA safety checks and applicable review;
• Federal regulations from the Department of Transportation cover this position and mandate the passing of certain preemployment requirements, such as a background check, drug test and physical;
• Ability to obtain Pesticide Applicator’s License;
• Ability to obtain Drone Pilot’s License (FAA part 107 Certification).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in agronomy, life sciences, engineering, computer science, or related field OR Master's Degree;
• Experience in agricultural research, seed technology industry or plant breeding;
• Knowledge of basic statistical analysis and experimental design principles;
• Mechanical and IT aptitude;
• Experience with precision agriculture hardware and software;
• History of implementing continuous improvements and innovation.

Domestic Relocation may be provided for this role.

Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $61,680.00 - $92,520.00. Compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Other benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc.

Posting is available until 6/18/26.

Location: United States : Illinois : Waterman

Division: Crop Science

Reference Code: 871897

Email: [e-mail]

To all recruitment agencies: Bayer does not accept unsolicited third party resumes.

Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below.

Bayer is an E-Verify Employer.

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