Research Technician

Vylor; Waimea/Kamuela (HI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Numerous development opportunities

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Vylor is seeking a Research Technician to support IPM initiatives and agronomy activities on Kauai, Hawaii. You will work outdoors, operate sprayers, and assist with field scouting and weed control, contributing to sustainable crop science.

The role requires basic plant biology knowledge, independent work, teamwork, and strong communication. Sign-on bonus offered; relocation and visa not available. Must be able to lift 35–50 lbs and work in a hot outdoor environment.

Qualifications

• Requires a High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience in tropical agriculture and/or horticultural operations preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate vehicles and equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Support IPM and agronomy operations, including land prep, netting, irrigation, and chemical management.
• Operate backpack sprayers and apply pesticides as trained.
• Conduct bag spray applications and field scouting.
• Perform hand weeding and operate light mowing equipment as needed.
• Maintain chemical application records and safety protocols.

Skills

High School Diploma

Tropical agriculture experience

Driver's license

Mathematical ability

English communication

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Flexible schedule

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 seeking a Research Technician . The qualified candidate shall have a basic knowledge on plant biology and be interested in working outdoors. Additionally, the qualified candidate is comfortable working with computers and other electronic devices to support work activities, capable to work independently or with the team, good in following instructions, applying the knowledge that Vylor and Agronomy Team will provide, work with a positive & collaborative attitude, possess good communication and critical thinking skills, and have an aptitude for creative problem solving.

The incumbent will perform activities related to the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

This position is located on the "Garden Island", Kauai.

$1,500 SIGN ON BONUS!

What You'll Do

• Support agronomy operations, especially on IPM ( Backpack, WPS, Chemical Inventory and others), and support agronomy activities such as land preparation, netting, irrigation and others.
• Operate backpack sprayers, Ability to apply pesticide with backpack.
• Bag Spray application.
• Handweeding in fields,
• Field Scouting
• Properly maintain chemical application records,
• Communicate with supervisors and others member of the team.
• Maintain all equipment in proper and safe working conditions
• Help train new employees in the safely perform pesticide application.
• Maintain and organize all pesticides and related data generated for spray applications.
• Perform and cooperate within a team of employees dedicated to IPM and agronomy best practices at the field sites.
• Be able to do hand weeding, weed whacker and use small mowers.
• Help perform hands-on training of pesticide application for new employees.
• Calibrate manual sprayers and will keep appropriate documentation.
• Help to perform WPS postings at field level.
• Ensure proper chemical applications and proactively check for potential risk to crops prior to spray execution.
• Read, check and validate pesticide labels.
• Ensure pesticides are applied in accordance with label requirements.
• Perform sprayer equipment cleaning and maintenance using established protocols.
• Maintain all equipment in safe operating condition.
• Promote a positive attitude and cultivate harmonious relations.
• Support all Hawaii Research Center goals and support other projects when needed Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies.
• Perform other duties such as but not limited to netting, irrigation, K-Line installation, fence maintenance, drip extraction, planting and others.
• Job description may change at any time.

What Skills You Need

• High School Diploma/GED required
• Experience in tropical agriculture and/or horticultural operations.
• Valid driver’s license and able to operate vehicle and bigger machines accurately and safely.
• Basic mathematics, ability to objectively analyze and solve problems, logical reasoning skills.
• Able to read and communicate in English as well as work in a team of diverse cultural backgrounds and languages.
• Ability to read/interpret instructions and carry out tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to use computer, tablet, smartphone and other devices.
• Attention to details.
• Work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Tolerance and ability to work long hours in hot environment.
• Often required to stand and walk and work on foot for prolonged periods.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Flexibility to work evenings (2 to 4 times a week), weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Willing and able to occasionally lift and carry 35-50 lbs. of weight with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to obtain certification for the use of full masks or respiratory protection equipment.
• Ability to keep workplace organized and clean.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate and report to supervisor conscientiously.

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

Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This position requires to work onsite 5 days a week.

The salary range for this position is $51,627.00 to $59,867.00.

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.

Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes. 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.