Field Testing Specialist

Corteva Agriscience; Olivia (MN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development opportunities

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Vylor in Olivia, Minnesota is seeking a Field Testing Specialist to join the Research and Development team. You will support research center activities across corn and soybean programs, including planning experiments, data collection, and nursery operations.

Ideal candidates hold an Associate or Bachelor's degree in agronomy or related field, with knowledge of crop production and experimental design. The role requires outdoor work, occasional long days, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Associate/Bachelor’s degree in agronomy or related field.
• Knowledge in agronomy, crop production, plant development, weed management, or small plot experimental design.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and able to learn internal Vylor software and data management systems.
• Experience operating agricultural equipment is preferred.
• Ability to develop working relationships with team members through effective communication.
• Attention to detail, self-motivation, and ability to initiate and execute projects, improvements, decisions, and problem solving.
• Ability to work independently with high standards.
• Demonstrate leadership, safety, supervision, and time management.
• Flexibility to work extended days and weekends; overnight stays may be required.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record to operate a CMV.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in varying environments for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research center activities: plan experiments, map locations, prepare seeds, collect data, pollinate corn, and manage soybean nursery tasks.
• Manage plots at research locations.
• Operate and troubleshoot research equipment including tractors, planters, combines, seed processing equipment.
• Support corn and soybean nursery operations: planting, maintenance, pollination, data collection, harvest, seed handling.
• Collaborate with staff to follow protocols for timely data collection and summarize results, noting issues and actions.
• Support corn and soybean breeding, trait development, and product evaluation through accurate field execution.
• Uphold core values and model ethical, professional behavior.
• Assist with site safety coordination to ensure a safe work environment.
• Contribute to soybean research program growth through field operations, nursery support, seed processing, and data collection.

Skills

Agronomy knowledge

Crop production

Plant development

Weed management

Small plot experimental design

Microsoft Office

Team communication

Independent work

Education

Associate/Bachelor's degree in agronomy or related field

Tools

Internal software

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture

At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer, Brevant, and Hoegemeyer, delivering performance farmers rely on.

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

We are looking for a responsible and highly motivated Field Testing Specialist to join the Research and Development team in Olivia, Minnesota. The specialist is an integral member of the multi-crop and cross-functional research center committed to supporting the development of new traits and corn and soybean products while helping support our growing soybean research efforts.

Responsibilities - What You Will Do:

• Assist with research center activities, which may include experiment planning, location mapping, seed preparation, seed processing, data collection, corn pollination, and soybean nursery activities.

• Assist with plot management at our research locations.

• Validate, operate and troubleshoot agricultural research equipment. This includes tractors, planters, combines, seed processing equipment, and other research machinery.

• Provide support for corn and soybean nursery operations, including planting, maintenance, pollination activities, data collection, harvest, and seed handling.

• Collaborate with local and departmental staff to follow protocols for timely data collection. Be able to summarize results, noting any problem areas during data collection, and recommend actions to be taken.

• Support the advancement of corn and soybean breeding, trait development, and product evaluation programs through accurate field execution and data collection.

• Uphold Vylor's Core Values in all aspects of your work, serving as a role model for ethical and professional behavior.

• Aid in the coordination of site safety to ensure compliance and a safe work environment for all employees.

• Contribute to the success and expansion of our growing soybean research program through field operations, nursery support, seed processing, and data collection activities.

Qualifications – What Skills You Need:

• Associate/Bachelor’s degree in agronomy or related field.

• Knowledge and experience in agronomy, crop production, plant development, weed management and/or small plot experimental design.

• Competent in standard Microsoft Office programs, and the ability to learn internal Vylor software and data management systems.

• Experience operating agricultural equipment preferred.

• Ability to develop a working relationship with team members by exhibiting effective communication and personal interaction skills.

• Attention to detail, self-motivation, and ability to initiate and execute projects, improvements, decisions, and problem solving.

• Ability to work independently while setting high expectations.

• Demonstrate skills in leadership, operational safety, supervision, and time management.

• Flexibility to work extended days and weekends at critical times of the season. Overnight stays during planting and harvesting may be required.

• A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record is required with the ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

• Will be required to do physical lifting and work outdoors in varying environments for extended periods of time. Must be capable of lifting 50 pounds.

**Please note there is no visa sponsorship or relocation assistance available for this role.

Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills

• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place

• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment

• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays

• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father

• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program

• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Vylor Benefits (https://hrportal.ehr.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=joPuo3NxhtM%3d&portalid=423)

• Check out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/

The salary range for this position is $63,000.00 to $74,000.00.

This reflects a reasonable estimate of the targeted base salary for this role. This role is also eligible for an annual bonus. Based on factors such as geographic location and candidate qualifications, actual base pay is determined when an employment offer is made.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.

Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to boldly embracing the power of inclusion, diversity, and equity to enrich the lives of our employees and strengthen the performance of our company, while advancing equity in agriculture. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. Discrimination, harassment and retaliation are inconsistent with our values and will not be tolerated. If you require a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit:Accessibility Page for Contact Information

For US Applicants: See the ‘Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law’ poster. To all recruitment agencies: Corteva does not accept unsolicited third party resumes and is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.