Assistant Plant Breeder

Conagra Brands • Brookston, IN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Popcorn Breeding leadership team, you will support the development of new popcorn inbreds and hybrids through field, laboratory, and office-based research activities. You will help execute breeding program initiatives, collect and manage research data, maintain seed inventories, and support the successful operation of the popcorn breeding program.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, or a related field, or completion of degree requirements in progress.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and focus on execution.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Flexibility to work extended hours during peak planting, pollination, and harvest seasons.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with field operations and plant phenotyping preferred.
• Experience with statistical analysis and data management software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support field research activities including field preparation, planting, irrigation, pest monitoring, data collection, harvesting, and seed quality evaluation.
• Perform nursery pollination activities and assist with breeding program operations.
• Harvest nursery plots and prepare samples from yield trials for evaluation.
• Operate laboratory and seed-processing equipment safely and efficiently.
• Shell, organize, label, and inventory nursery plot materials and seed stocks.
• Prepare, monitor, and evaluate popping samples generated through research trials.
• Plan and prepare materials for nurseries and yield trials.
• Record, organize, and summarize research data accurately.
• Maintain inventories of breeding program supplies and help forecast future needs.
• Document work processes and standard operating procedures.
• Support popcorn evaluation activities and data generation efforts.
• Use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to manage data and communicate results.
• Partner with team members to support breeding objectives and long-term program goals.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
• Great pay
• 401(k)/pension eligibility
• financial wellness programs
• stock purchase plan
• Career development opportunities
• employee resource groups
• team collaboration
• Paid-time off
• volunteer opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level