Practical Farm Research Technician

Beck's-Hybrid; Meadowcrest Estates Mobile Home Park (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k match

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Corporate discounts

Company Christmas party

Free lunch

Job summary

Beck's is seeking a Practical Farm Research Technician to organize, plan, manage and report field research in Olivia, MN. You will work with the Location Lead to ensure studies run smoothly and safety is maintained, while coordinating equipment and staff support.

The role requires agronomy training or related experience, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to manage field operations, data collection and reporting throughout the growing season.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Agronomy or related field or equivalent work experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy.
• This is a safety-sensitive position.

Responsibilities

• Develop plot layouts for research studies planned for each season and document study details.
• Coordinate with the Equipment Maintenance Coordinator to secure needed farm equipment.
• Maintain equipment in good condition with regular service and keep records of maintenance.
• Plan and apply tillage, planting, spraying, mowing, cultivating, and fertilizer activities; keep notes and data.
• Collect and log activity dates, product details, rainfall, and environmental conditions for plot progress.
• Keep plots visually well-maintained through mowing, weeding and tilling.
• Coordinate sign shop needs and place signs uniformly on plots.
• Prepare facilities daily and organize tours as directed by the Location Lead.
• Supervise part-time staff and interns under the PFR leadership.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Fork truck operation

Pesticide applicator license (elig.)

Education

B.S. in Agronomy or related field

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Fork truck license

Pesticide applicator license (available to obtain)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Practical Farm Research Technician

Regular Full-Time Olivia, MN, Olivia, MN, US 1 Attachments

This position is responsible for the daily organizing, planning, managing, documenting, and reporting Practical Farm Research findings to the PFR Location Lead. This position is authorized to perform the steps necessary to ensure the responsibilities are met.

As a member of the Beck’s Family of employees, all full-time employees are eligible for a generous benefits package:

• Health benefits including two medical plan options and company HSA contributions, dental, vision, employer paid life/AD&D for you and your dependents, disability insurance, and access to an onsite Nurse Practitioner
• 401k plan match & company sponsored pension plan and access to a Financial Advisor to help you manage your retirement savings
• Paid time off, Paid Holidays, Wellness Programs, & Corporate Discounts
• Company Christmas Party, Free Lunch, & Much More

Responsibilities

Development of plot layouts for research studies planned for each season. Include name and purpose of the study, seed products and quantities of seed needed, other products or special equipment needed, and any other important information necessary for the successful completion of the study. Include a map showing the location of the proposed studies.

Work directly with the PFR Equipment Maintenance Coordinator for obtaining the necessary farm and operating equipment needed to successfully complete the responsibilities.

Maintain equipment in good working condition through regularly scheduled service and maintenance. Keep records of service and maintenance activities on all equipment in an easily accessible and organized file.

Conduct the planning and application of all tillage, planting, spraying, mowing, cultivating, and fertilizer applications, as well as note taking, harvest and data collection.

Collect accurate records of activities completed, date(s) completed, names and rates of products used, monthly rainfall, field and environmental conditions when the activities were being performed, and any other notes that would help track plot progress and diagnose future problems.

Maintain plots in good visual condition during growing season through mowing, weeding, and tilling.

Communicate with the PFR Data & Logistics Manager regarding sign shop needs. Acquire the appropriate signs, as determined by the PFR Location Lead, in a timely manner. Place them uniformly on plots, following consistent guidelines for numbering and lettering so signs look consistent and uniform.

Coordinate the daily preparation of the PFR research facility, and organization of tours as deemed necessary by the PFR Location Lead.

Supervise part time employees and interns that report to the PFR Technician.

Any other duties as deemed necessary by the PFR Location Lead and or PFR Operations Manager.

Job Requirements

1.Education and training:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy or other agricultural related field or equivalent work experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy.
• This is a safety-sensitive position.

2.Technical knowledge:

• Basic computer and current software skills.
• Fork truck license.
• Currently have or have ability to obtain pesticide applicator license

3.Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years experience in agronomic field services or research.

4. Physical Demands:

• May be required to lift up to 70 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to pass DOT physical examination and obtain Medical Examiner’s Certificate may be required.
• Ability to operate field scale equipment such as combines, sprayers, tractors and planters required.

** In an effort to provide a safer, drug-free workplace for employees, all full-time applicants to whom offers of employment are made must submit to a drug test and background check, subject to applicable local, state, or federal laws or regulations. Employment at Beck's is contingent upon passing these pre-employment screenings.