Research Associate 2
About The Position
This is a seasonal Research Associate position supporting peak operational activities, with work expected annually from approximately March 1 through December 1. The role is an integral part of a team responsible for routine seasonal research activities, including planning, communication, packaging, planting, note taking, and harvesting yield trials. It involves operating and maintaining agricultural machinery and research equipment in the field, and helping preserve the integrity of seed packaging, field layout, planting, data collection, and harvest activities. The Research Associate performs work in accordance with company safety and stewardship policies and completes required training. The position also supervises operational teams that may include third-party contract labor and Syngenta full-time staff, on and off site, to achieve data-driven results and address minor problems or complaints. Activities include planting, phenotyping, pollinating, and harvesting, with regular communication to peers and supervisors about project and work status.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related discipline and/or relevant experience is preferred.
- Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems.
- Clear understanding of practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and accuracy.
- Understanding and demonstrated use of modern agronomic practices.
- Ability to communicate clearly and work well as part of a team.
- Remote Pilot License or ability to acquire one.
- CDL Class A with Airbrakes or ability to acquire it.
- Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to acquire one.
- Strong problem-solving skills, including analyzing complex situations, identifying patterns, and making decisions using incomplete or conflicting information.
- Passion for learning, adopting, and championing new technologies and innovative approaches.
- Proven ability to take initiative, deliver measurable results, and drive continuous improvement.
- Commitment to safety, sustainability, and product stewardship.
- Experience in seed technology, plant breeding, precision agriculture, or related agricultural operations.
- Working knowledge of agronomic management best practices.
- Experience with precision agriculture equipment, software systems, and data-driven farming technologies.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, and other standard business applications.
- Ability to use and support data collection, analysis, agronomic tracking, and KPI reporting systems.
Nice To Haves
- A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding.
- Familiarity with Almaco, Precision Planting, commercial, or research harvesting equipment.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to planning, communication, packaging, planting, note taking, and harvesting of yield trials.
- Operate and perform in-field maintenance on agricultural machinery and/or agricultural research equipment.
- Help maintain the integrity of seed packaging, field layout, planting, data collection, and harvesting.
- Follow company safety and stewardship policies and practices, and complete required training courses.
- Supervise operational teams that include third-party contract labor and Syngenta full-time staff, on and off site.
- Support data-driven results and resolve minor problems or complaints.
- Perform planting, phenotyping, pollinating, and harvesting activities.
- Communicate regularly with peers and supervisors about project and work status.
Benefits
- Flexible work options.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits starting on the first day.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
- Profit sharing and retirement savings contribution.
- Paid vacation.
- Paid holidays.
- Maternity and paternity leave.
- Education assistance.
- Wellness programs.
- Corporate discounts.
- Other benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Mid Level
