Research Associate 2
About The Position
This is a seasonal Research Associate position supporting peak operational activities. The role is expected to work annually from approximately March 1 through December 1. As an integral member of a team, the Research Associate performs a range of seasonal routine tasks that support agricultural research and yield trials, including planning, packaging, planting, note taking, phenotyping, pollinating, and harvesting. The position operates and maintains agricultural machinery and research equipment, and helps preserve the integrity of seed packaging, field layout, planting, data collection, and harvest activities. The Research Associate follows company safety, stewardship, and training requirements; communicates regularly with peers and supervisors about project status and work activities; and supervises operational teams consisting of third-party contract labor and Syngenta staff. The role supports data-driven results and resolves minor problems or complaints.
Requirements
- 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.
- Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze complex situations, identify patterns, and make 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 the seed technology industry, 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 utilize and support data collection, analysis, agronomic tracking, and KPI reporting systems.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related discipline and/or relevant experience.
- Basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding.
- 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.
- Familiarity with Almaco, Precision Planting, commercial, or research harvesting equipment.
Responsibilities
- Plan and carry out seasonal routine activities, including packaging, planting, note taking, and harvesting yield trials.
- Operate and perform in-field maintenance on agricultural machinery and agricultural research equipment.
- Help maintain the integrity of seed packaging, field layout, planting, data collection, and harvesting.
- Complete required company training and comply with safety, stewardship, and other company policies and practices.
- 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.
- Plant, phenotype, pollinate, and harvest.
- Communicate regularly with peers and supervisors about project status and work activities.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
