Field Testing Specialist

Overview

At Corteva Agriscience
, you will help us grow what is next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.

As a Field Testing Specialist, you will plan and execute the safe and efficient day-to-day management of corn, soybean, sorghum, and wheat product development at the Garden City Research Center. You will be involved in all phases of planting, growing, phenotyping, and harvesting research materials to meet pre-commercial product advancement and data quality goals. You will adopt and implement evolving technologies and methodologies that enhance and improve product development.

• Operate and troubleshoot agricultural research equipment by onboarding, operating, and maintaining irrigation systems, tractors, field cultivators, planters, sprayers, forklifts, and research combines.
• Use technology and modern software tools to conduct field research experiments.
• Follow specific protocols to collect, analyze, and distribute large volumes of data.
• Collaborate with experiment managers to summarize results of experiments, identify problem areas during data collection, and recommend actions.
• Ensure the proper and timely maintenance of agricultural equipment.
• Plan and coordinate with vendors to ensure equipment is ready for the season.
• May manage and direct the work of temporary and seasonal employees.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe and respectful work environment.
• Compile and record information using computer software and databases.
• Assist with research center projects and research seed production activities, including seed preparation for planting, pollinating, and combine/hand harvest. Weekend work and overtime will be required at these times.
• Provide support for other research projects as assigned.
• Maintain and ensure proper policies are upheld through compliance record keeping and documentation.
• Use standardized operating procedures to ensure all material necessary for conducting field experiments is prepared properly and on time.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures provided by the company while leading these policies and communicating any changes to the team.

• Education:
  
  Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in agriculture or a scientific field with 2-4 years of experience in agronomy, plant breeding, farming-related or a scientific-related field.
• Communication:
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work well with diverse groups of people.
• Results Driven:
  Self-motivated and able to initiate projects, improvements, decisions, and problem-solving. Detail-oriented, strong time management and organizational skills.
• Safety Oriented:
  Commitment to excellent safety and risk management practices.
• Technologically Savvy:
  Competency with standard Microsoft Office programs and capacity to learn new technologies and software. Handling of large volumes of data will be required.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Will be required to do physical lifting and work outdoors and in varying ergonomic environments. Must be capable of lifting 50 pounds.
• Additional hours and weekends during seasonal peak periods, including some overnight stays.
• Driver’s License, acceptable driving record, and ability to obtain CMV and/or CDL.
• Ability to obtain appropriate pesticide applicator license/certification.

• Strong Agronomy Background:
  Ability to scout crops and make recommendations based on findings.
• Strong Farming Practices:
  Knowledge of general farming practices. Ability to operate agricultural equipment and be able to move between different pieces of equipment throughout the season.
• Mechanical Ability:
  General knowledge to diagnose and solve most mechanical failures while in season and during off-season maintenance.

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills.
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place.
• H…