Agricultural Field Technician

Amalgamated Sugar Company is looking for a Agriculture Field Technician working under the direction of our Chief Scientist – Senior Plant Pathologist, this role is focused on managing the day-to-day operations of the Amalgamated Sugar Company’s insectary and greenhouse (estimated 20-30 hrs./week), as well as supporting scientifically rigorous research trials in the field (estimated 10-20 hrs./week). You will be a part of a team dedicated to contributing new knowledge to sugarbeet growers in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to enable them to improve their sugarbeet productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

The role is ideally suited to someone who has an eye for detail, enjoys working in a greenhouse setting with insects, and has an inquisitive mind. Research conducted includes agronomy and farming system research trials, as well as the evaluation of new pesticides for the control of diseases, insects, and weeds. Based in Nyssa, OR, this position is with Amalgamated Sugar Company’s Sugarbeet Research (S ) Team.

Insectary and Greenhouse Management

• Manage day-to-day insectary and greenhouse operations with minimal supervision, prioritizing tasks to meet timelines.
• Propagate, grow, and maintain sugarbeet plants to support insect colonies and experiments (e.g., seeding, transplanting, watering, fertilization, and sanitation).
• Rear beet leaf hoppers and maintain healthy colonies; produce and deliver adequate numbers of viruliferous leaf hoppers for field trials according to established protocols.
• Scout plants routinely for insects, mites, and diseases; implement integrated pest management (IPM) and apply pesticides as needed in accordance with label directions and all applicable state/federal requirements.
• Maintain greenhouse and insectary infrastructure, including environmental controls, irrigation systems, lighting, benches, and insect containment features; perform and coordinate repairs and preventive maintenance as needed.
• Monitor and document key environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, and photoperiod) and adjust settings to maintain consistent plant and insect performance.
• Maintain cleanliness to prevent spread of pests or pathogens between experiments and growing areas.
• Maintain accurate records for pesticide applications, and trial support activities.
• Track and maintain inventory of plants, insects, growing supplies, and chemicals; coordinate ordering and proper storage/disposal in compliance with regulations.
• Promote safe work practices in the greenhouse and insectary, including proper PPE use, chemical handling, and hazard reporting; recommend and implement improvements to safety procedures.

Field and Technical Support

• Support the Chief Scientist – Senior Plant Pathologist and Research Agronomist in planning, organizing, and executing field and glasshouse research trials.
• Assist with establishing experiments, including trial design support, plot layout and marking, planting/seeding, and accurate application of experimental treatments.
• Perform routine cultural practices and plot maintenance (e.g., cultivation, thinning, fertilization support, replanting, and border management) to maintain trial integrity.
• Manage day-to-day trial operations, including irrigation scheduling, crop scouting, and weed/insect/disease control; calibrate and operate application equipment and ensure treatments are applied safely and according to protocol and label requirements.
• Collect research measurements and samples as assigned; follow protocols for sampling, labeling, handling, and storage to protect data quality and traceability.
• Assist with harvest operations, including plot harvesting and collection of yield and quality data.
• Enter, organize, and format trial data using Microsoft Excel; perform basic data checks to identify missing values, outliers, or inconsistencies.
• Maintain accurate, timely records of trial activities (e.g., field operations, treatment applications, scouting observations, deviations, and equipment logs) in accordance with research documentation standards.
• Assist with transporting research and farm equipment by road, including safe loading/unloading, securing…