Station Technician Champaign

KWS SAAT SE; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 34,440 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Pension plan and 401(k) with employer

Flexible PTO

Professional training and development

Job summary

KWS Cereals USA in Champaign, IL is seeking a Station Technician to support wheat breeding activities from planting to harvest. You will assist the Station Manager and operate field equipment, collect data, and ensure quality and safety standards are met.

The role requires outdoor work, valid driver's license, ability to travel, and basic computer skills. This permanent, full-time position is based in Champaign, IL and offers professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of crop production, farming practices, and farm equipment operation and repair.
• Good mechanical skills.
• Ability to work outdoors.
• Ability to work non-standard hours when needed.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to obtain and maintain a CDL.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a forklift driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a pesticide applicators license.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• HS diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Technical support of the wheat breeding activities in the USA.
• Support the Station Manager in executing field research operations at all locations, including preparation, sowing, maintenance, and harvest of the breeding nursery and yield trials.
• Operate proprietary software for data collection.
• Operate small research equipment including tractors, plot planters, sprayers, and plot combines.
• Ensure that company assets are adequately maintained.
• Assist breeders in field data collection and harvest activities.
• Coordinate necessary activities to turn around seeds between harvest and sowing.
• Train and provide technical supervision to seasonal staff.
• Maintain purchasing within budget and authority levels.
• Work variable hours as needed.
• Travel regularly and/or drive on behalf of the business.
• Meet attendance requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Crop production knowledge

Mechanical skills

Outdoor work

Driver's license

Forklift license (intent to obtain)

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

BA/BS in Agriculture (preferred)

Tools

Data collection software

Field equipment operation tools

Job description

Station Technician – KWS Cereals USA, Champaign, IL

Join our Champaign Breeding and Research team! KWS Cereals USA is looking for a Station Technician who will support the wheat breeding activities by creating or executing work plans for all aspects of trial activities including planting, irrigation, pest control, ratings and harvest. Using experience and knowledge to ensure maintenance of accurate records and adherence to quality standards and trial protocols which may include regulated material. Responsible for correct and safe use of equipment and devices utilized in tasks and fixing problems that may arise in the field. This permanent position is full time and located in Champaign, IL.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical support of the wheat breeding activities in the USA.
• Support the Station Manager in executing effective field research operations at all locations, including preparation, sowing, maintenance, and harvest of the breeding nursery and yield trials.
• Operate proprietary software for data collection.
• Operate small research equipment including tractors, plot planters, sprayers, and plot combines.
• Ensure that company assets are adequately maintained.
• Assist breeders in field data collection and harvest activities.
• Coordinate necessary activities to turn around seeds between harvest and sowing.
• Train and provide technical supervision to seasonal staff.
• Maintain purchasing within budget and authority levels.
• Work variable hours as needed.
• Ensure adherence to company handbook, rules, guidelines, procedures, and safety policies; use personal protective equipment correctly.
• Travel regularly and/or drive on behalf of the business.
• Meet attendance requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of crop production, farming practices, and farm equipment operation and repair.
• Good mechanical skills.
• Ability to work outdoors.
• Ability to work non-standard hours when needed.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to obtain and maintain a CDL.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a forklift driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a pesticide applicators license.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• HS diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS in Agriculture or related degree.
• At least 2 years applicable work experience in crop farming and/or field-based research environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ($25.5 - $28 per hour) and bonus system.
• Pension plan and 401(k) with employer match.
• Flexible paid‑time‑off (PTO).
• Professional training and development opportunities.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms and bend and twist. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.