Agronomy Research Specialist

Agronomy Research Specialist

We're hiring an Agronomy Research Specialist to work at our answer plot locations in Kansas and Eastern Missouri. In this role, you will perform all operational functions of our Answer Plots in this territory including but not limited to: Planting, farm equipment preparation & operation, seed prep, equipment transport, field operations, harvest and GIS applications. In addition, you will report to the Research Manager and assist in planning and executing the Answer Plot objectives for the region.

This position is a remote (virtual) position but candidate must be located within the Kansas/Eastern Missouri territory

Primary Responsibilities:

• Crop scouting/advising: Walk Answer Plots to evaluate weed control, insect infestations and disease outbreaks, consulting with Agronomists or Technical Seed Managers on solutions, and planning operations to resolve issues with crop production.
  
• Field Operations: Planting, spraying, harvest and protocol execution at each plot location.
  
• Answer Plot maintenance and preparation: Prepare sites for training sessions or grower field days. Grooming plots and planning protocol execution to coincide with these events .
  
• Answer Plot Planning Activities: Assist Research Manager in a number of planning and organizing tasks such as but not limited to the following: sourcing sites, developing contracts, site layout, entry lists, database setup, equipment prep, fertilizer and Crop Protection Product (CPP) planning, operational plans, and data flow planning.
  
• Oversee and coordinate temporary summer research technicians to include developing workflows and task lists and training on the skills necessary to complete the work in a timely manner with exceptional quality to ensure operational goals are met.
  
• Work with the Land O'Lakes safety team to ensure DOT and Safety compliance. This includes tracking fuel receipts, RAIR compliance; ensuring proper log book procedures are followed.
  

Experience and Education:

• College degree in Ag related field or related experience may be considered
  
• 2 years of small plot or Ag retail experience desired
  
• Must have or can obtain a Class A CDL and Pesticide Applicators License within first 60 days of employment; Drone certification or ability to obtain highly desired
  
• Agronomy/Ag Tech skills/understanding
  
• Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft suite of products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Desire experience with Arc GIS.
  
• Must have a valid driver's license acceptable to company policy in order to operate company vehicle
  
• Previous experience operating farm or research equipment desired
  
• Daily and overnight travel (spring planting-harvest), as well as extended hours (which may weekends) (Up to 50%)
  

Competencies and other skills:

• Ability to communicate with all levels (verbal and written).
  
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  
• Strong attention to detail; keep detailed agronomic records
  
• Ability to partner closely and meet the needs of internal and external customers
  
• Must have ability to lift 50 lbs, able to climb on and off of farm/research equipment
  
• Able to walk and work in field plots.
  

Environment: Farm/research equipment can be loud, fields are dusty and dirty, and weather conditions can vary from hot and humid to cold and wet.

Compensation range $58,000-$87,000

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

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