Practical Farm Research Technician

Beck's Hybrids; Olivia (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 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 Hybrids is seeking a fields-based Research Technician to organize, plan, and document Practical Farm Research findings for the Location Lead. You will oversee plots, coordinate equipment, maintain records, and collect data each season.

The role requires agronomy knowledge, equipment operation capabilities, and the ability to supervise interns, with safety checks and pre-employment screenings. Join a team offering comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Agronomy or related field.
• Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record.
• Safety-sensitive position.
• Chauffeur license or equivalent.
• Basic computer skills.
• Fork truck license.
• Pesticide applicator license.
• Minimum two years of agronomic field services or research experience.
• Lift up to 70 pounds unassisted.
• DOT physical and Medical Examiner’s Certificate may be required.
• Operate field-scale equipment such as combines, sprayers, tractors and planters.

Responsibilities

• Develop plot layouts for seasonal studies, including name, purpose, seeds, quantities and equipment, plus a location map.
• Coordinate with Equipment Maintenance Coordinator to obtain necessary farm equipment.
• Maintain equipment with regular service and accessible maintenance records.
• Plan and apply tillage, planting, spraying, mowing, cultivating and fertilizer; take notes and collect data.
• Record activities, dates, products used, rainfall and conditions for progress tracking.
• Keep plots visually in good condition through mowing, weeding and tilling.
• Coordinate sign production and placement on plots with PFR Location Lead.
• Prepare the research facility daily and organize tours as needed.
• Supervise part-time staff and interns reporting to the PFR Technician.
• Perform other duties as assigned by PFR Location Lead or Operations Manager.

Skills

Agronomy knowledge

Data collection

Team supervision

Education

B.S. in Agronomy

Tools

Chauffeur license

Forklift license

Pesticide applicator license

Driver's license

DOT Medical Card

Job description

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

• 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.
• Technical knowledge:
• Chauffer license or equivalent required.
• Basic computer and current software skills.
• Fork truck license.
• Currently have or have ability to obtain pesticide applicator license
• Experience:
• Minimum two (2) years experience in agronomic field services or research.
• 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.