Research Assistant - Entry Level at DLF USA Inc.

Wayne State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

DLF USA Inc. in Touchet, Washington, is seeking an entry-level Research Assistant to join our Research team. This hands-on role combines fieldwork, greenhouse, and lab experience to support innovative plant breeding and seed production projects.

You will establish nurseries, monitor trials, manage seed inventory, and collaborate with researchers, breeders, and staff. Bachelor’s in Agronomy or Biology and 2–5 years of field experience, pesticide license, and willingness to work outdoors are

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Biology, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in field research, plot management, or greenhouse work.
• Pesticide license (or ability to obtain).
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office and data management tools.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to work overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Establish, monitor, and maintain plant nurseries and greenhouse trials year‑round.
• Apply agronomic best practices, including irrigation scheduling, fertility programs, and pest management.
• Maintain detailed field records with data accuracy across projects.
• Operate tractors, combines and other research machinery on and off site.
• Oversee forage quality sampling including drying, grinding, and data handling.
• Monitor greenhouse plant health and intervene as needed.
• Supervise part‑time labor during harvest, threshing, planting, and field tasks.
• Ensure safety, efficiency, and quality in daily crew operations.

Skills

Field research experience

Data management

Strong communication

Leadership

Valid driver’s license

Willingness to work overtime

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or Biology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Touchet, Washington

Come grow with DLF!

At DLF, we’re passionate about plants, people, and progress. As a global leader in high-quality grass seed for agriculture and turf, we’re helping create a greener, more sustainable future.

We’re currently seeking an entry-level Research Assistant to join our Research team. This hands‑on role combines fieldwork, greenhouse, and lab experience to support innovative plant breeding and seed production projects.

What You’ll Do

Field & Greenhouse Research Management

• Establish, monitor, and maintain a variety of plant nurseries and greenhouse trials year-round.
• Apply agronomic best practices, including irrigation scheduling, fertility programs, and pest management.
• Maintain detailed field records, ensuring data accuracy and consistency across projects.
• Operate tractors, combines and other specialty research machinery and equipment both on and off site.
• Oversee forage quality sampling including drying, grinding, and data handling.
• Monitor greenhouse plant health with appropriate care routines and timely interventions.
• Supervise part‑time labor crews during seed harvest, threshing, planting, and other research‑related field tasks.
• Ensure safety, efficiency, and quality in daily crew operations.

Inventory & Data Management

• Manage seed inventory, organize labeling and storage, and fulfill internal seed requests.
• Assist with data entry, report generation, and maintenance of research records.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in field trial methods, workflow optimization, and equipment use.
• Collaborate closely with researchers, breeders, and technical staff to align field efforts with research goals.

Assist with various duties as needed.

This is an active role that includes outdoor fieldwork and physical activity. Physical working conditions includes sitting, bending or standing while performing various tasks. Frequent walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, and continuous use of hands for repetitive tasks are occasionally required. This position works frequently in the fields; therefore the Research Assistant will be exposed to potentially hazardous weather conditions and will be required to wear appropriate PPE when handling tools and equipment to avoid chemical exposure.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Biology, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in field research, plot management, or greenhouse work.
• Pesticide license (or ability to obtain).
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office and data management tools.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to work overtime as needed.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive hourly pay (up to $25.00/hour, depending on experience).
• Full benefits package, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
• Opportunities to learn new research technologies and grow your career.
• Work that contributes to sustainable agriculture and environmental health.

Grass does more than look good — it stores carbon, prevents erosion, supports biodiversity, and sustains life. Join us in growing a healthier planet.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

DLF USA Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion at every level.