Wheat Breeding Field Technician & Data Ops

KWS Group; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 73,067,904 - 80,231,424; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary plus bonus

Health, dental, vision benefits

Pension plan and 401(k)

Job summary

KWS Cereals USA, based in Champaign, IL, is seeking a Station Technician to support wheat breeding activities by planning and executing trial-related tasks, including planting, irrigation, pest control, ratings and harvest. The role emphasizes accurate record-keeping and adherence to protocols in a field environment.

Responsibilities include field operations, data capture with proprietary software, operation of field equipment, and collaboration with the Station Manager.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of crop production, farming practices, and farm equipment operation and repair.
• Good mechanical skills.
• Ability to work outdoors.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to obtain and maintain a CDL.
• Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a forklift driver’s license.
• Possess or be able 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

• Provide technical support for wheat breeding activities in the USA.
• Assist Station Manager with field research operations including preparation, sowing, maintenance and harvest.
• Operate the required proprietary software for data collection.
• Operate small research equipment such as tractors, plot planters, sprayers and plot combines.
• Ensure company assets are maintained.
• Assist breeders in field data collection and harvest activities.
• Coordinate activities to turn around seeds between harvest and sowing.
• Provide training and supervise seasonal staff.
• Keep purchasing within budget and authority levels.
• Travel as needed and work variable hours.

Skills

Crop production knowledge

Mechanical skills

Outdoor work

Non-standard hours

Domestic/international travel

Communication / teamwork

Time management

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

BA/BS in Agriculture or related field

Tools

Driver’s license (valid)

CDL

Forklift license

Pesticide applicator license

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

KWS Cereals USA, based in Champaign, IL, is seeking a Station Technician to support wheat breeding activities by planning and executing trial-related tasks, including planting, irrigation, pest control, ratings and harvest. The role emphasizes accurate record-keeping and adherence to protocols in a field environment.

Responsibilities include field operations, data capture with proprietary software, operation of field equipment, and collaboration with the Station Manager.