What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate I position at Beck's Hybrids?
Purpose and Scope
As the largest, family owned retail seed company in the United States, Beck's was founded on faith, hard work and innovation of our family and family of employees. As we continue to grow, our culture is maintained by those who work hard to make a difference in the live our farmers. We believe our success start with our employee's and their passion for helping farmers succeed.
Our Research Associate employee will have agronomist knowledge in corn and soybeans with prior research experience. Will either possess a CDL or have the ability to obtain a CDL as well as obtaining pesticide license. The detail orientated employee will be able to work within a multi-functional team, adapt to changes and identify and implement improvements.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate plot locations and logistics
- Measuring and setting flags
- 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
- Assist with ensuring plots are maintained to Beck’s standards
- Assist with applying fertilizer, herbicides, and insecticides
- 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 standards set by Beck’s Hybrids to minimize downtime
- Diagnose and make repairs as needed
- Warehousing/distribution
- Inventory incoming shipments
- Organize and stage outgoing shipments
- Load/unload trucks
- Perform seed deliveries as needed
- Aid in summer isolation blocks and winter nursery work
- May assist with Seed Conditioning as needed by Foundation Seed Manager during winter months
- Work in other areas of operation at Beck’s Hybrids as directed by the Testing Site Lead to ensure efficient site operations
Job Requirements
1. Education and training:
- Minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalent, advanced degree preferred.
- Class A CDL
- Pesticide applicator license
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy
2. 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
3. Physical demands
- Ability to pass DOT physical examination and obtain Medical Examiner’s Certificate required
- Overnight travel is required
- Must be able to lift up to 70 pounds unassisted
4. Experience:
- Agriculture experience
- Field research experience preferred
Job Type: Full-time
