Research Associate

Beck's Hybrids; Colfax (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (medical plans)

Company HSA contributions

401k plan with company match

Paid time off

Paid Holidays

Wellness Programs

Corporate discounts

Company Christmas Party

Free Lunch

Job summary

Beck’s Hybrids in Iowa is seeking an intermediate-level researcher to support the Research Department with mini-strip and replicated testing, seedbed preparation, and data collection across plots. The role emphasizes field-based agriculture knowledge and hands-on testing duties.

Responsibilities include coordinating plot logistics, seed preparation, planting, and meticulous data recording. You will also maintain equipment and assist with harvest and reporting for product development teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum of high school diploma or GED; advanced degree preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong agronomic and mechanical skills; positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; prioritize tasks.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate plot locations and logistics with plot cooperators.
• Seed preparation for mini-strip and replicated testing.
• Planting of mini-strip and replicated plots; transport planting equipment.
• Data collection: stand counts, early vigor, plot ratings, flowering data, plant/ear heights, agronomic notes.
• Plot maintenance: fertilize, apply herbicide and insecticide as needed.
• Plot harvest: collect fall agronomic notes and yield data.
• Maintain research equipment and minimize downtime; diagnose/repair as needed.
• Data reporting: notes, harvest data, yield reports for Product Development staff.
• Warehousing/distribution: manage inventory and shipments; seed deliveries.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Advanced degree preferred

Excellent verbal and written communication

Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and as part of a team

Proficiency with personal computer and software

Job description

Intermediate level position in the Research Department which we are seeking someone with some basic agriculture and field research knowledge. The main responsibility for this job will be conducting mini-strip and replicated testing as well as participating in other facets of Beck’s Research Department.

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, Two-Hundred Dollar Merchandise Allowance, & Much More

Responsibilities

• Coordinate plot locations and logistics with plot cooperators
  • Measuring and setting flags
  • Working with cooperators to ensure proper seedbed preparation, fertility program and weed control
• Seed Preparation
  • Prepare seed for mini-strip and replicated testing
• Planting of mini-strip and replicated plots
  • Transporting planting equipment to outlying locations
  • Ensuring plots are planted as directed by the Testing Site Lead
• Data Collection
  • Stand counts, early vigor, and plot ratings
  • Flowering data
  • Physical characteristics (Plant and ear heights, etc)
  • Disease evaluation and agronomic notes
• Plot Maintenance
  • Work with cooperators to ensure plots are maintained to Beck’s Hybrids’ standards
  • Apply fertilizer, herbicide, and insecticide as needed
• Plot Harvest
  • Transport harvest equipment to outlying locations
  • Collect fall agronomic notes (stability, plant integrity, etc)
  • Conduct harvest of mini-strip and replicated plots
• Research Equipment Maintenance
  • Ensure machinery is maintained to Beck’s Hybrids’ standards to minimize downtime
  • Diagnose and make repairs as needed
• Data Reporting
  • Some duties may include reporting notes, harvest data, and preparation of yield reports for Beck’s Product Development Staff
• Warehousing/distribution
  • Inventory incoming shipments
  • Organize and stage outgoing shipments
  • Load/unload trucks as needed
  • Perform seed deliveries as needed
• Aid in isolated corn block, nursery, and winter nursery work
• Supervise full time employees, part time employees, and interns that report to the Research Associates as needed
• Work in other areas of Beck’s Hybrids’ operations as directed by the Testing Site Lead to ensure efficient site operations.

Job Requirements

• Education and training:
• Minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalent, advanced degree preferred
• Class A CDL or the ability to obtain
• Pesticide applicator license or the ability to obtain
• Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy
• Technical knowledge:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Possess strong agronomic and mechanical skills
• Possess positive attitude
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, work as a team member, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
• Skill to use personal computer and various software packages
• Physical demands:
• Ability to pass DOT physical examination and obtain Medical Examiner’s Certificate is required
• Overnight travel is required
• Must be able to lift up to 70 pounds unassisted
• Experience:
• Field Research and/or Agriculture experience preferred
• 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.