Research Technician - Field

Corteva • Hermiston, OR

384d

About The Position

The Research Technician - Field position at Corteva Agriscience in Hermiston, Oregon, focuses on supporting research in wheat production/testing and hybrid corn seed production. The role involves various field operations, including planting, maintenance, data collection, and seed processing, while ensuring adherence to established protocols and timelines. The technician will operate equipment, communicate effectively with team members, and may supervise temporary workers, contributing to the overall success of research and production activities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 1-2 years on-the-job or related ag experience.
• Driver's license with good driving record.
• Ability to operate farm equipment including tractors, planters, and detasselers.
• Good safety and risk management habits.
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule including shift work and overtime hours including weekend work required during seasonal peaks.
• Good verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work well with co-workers, temp labor, contractors, etc.
• Attention to detail.
• Able to make independent decisions.
• Intermediate computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willing and able to work in a variety of areas (field, plant, warehouse).
• Willing and able to lift up to 60lbs and complete work that involves repetitive motion and/or repetitive lifting.
• Willing and able to work both outdoors and indoors in cold, hot, wet, and dry conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Highly Preferred - Active Class A CDL
• Forklift experience
• Associates or higher in agriculture related field
• Previous training on field scouting
• Leadership experience
• Knowledge of production agriculture and production plant operations
• Knowledge of field equipment and techniques (planting, cultivating, irrigation, cutting, wheel-pulling, delays, scouting, etc.)
• Experience operating conditioning and packaging equipment.
• Ability to do basic equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for planting, plot maintenance, roguing, data collection, detasseling, and harvesting operations according to established protocols and timelines.
• Support seed drying and conditioning operations including receiving, husking, shelling, pre-cleaner, discharge, moisture sampling, and forklift support through fall and winter.
• Operate equipment including tractors, planters, detasselers, etc.
• Support data collection and other activities associated with plot testing or seed production including gathering data before, during, and after planting, assisting with field layout, planting, integrated pest management, rouging, seed cleaning, detasseling, and other general field support activities.
• Use technology to collect data and learn to utilize Research and Production software systems to support experiment and production activities.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with Supervisors, cooperators, contractors, and support staff to ensure clear understanding of objectives and project success.
• Participate on hiring committees, organize and supervise temporary or seasonal workers ensuring work is performed in a safe and efficient manner.
• Participate on committees and teams including Safety, Field, Plant, Warehouse, and others.
• Lead location safety programs as assigned.
• Actively support seed processing and warehouse activities including harvest, drying, conditioning, treat/packaging, and shipping through summer, fall, and winter for corn and wheat.
• Work effectively as part of a team or independently.

Benefits

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: High school or GED