Research & Development Associate

WHO WE ARE

Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC is a leading full-service agronomic solutions provider that's been in business since 1957. Our first location was in West Helena, Arkansas hence the name "Helena". We now have close to 450+ locations nationwide and over 6,000 employees. Our corporate office is located in Collierville, Tennessee, a suburb outside of Memphis. Year after year we rank at the top nationally for volume and sales in our industry.

There are many facets to our company including product development, sales, operations, precision technology and manufacturing, just to name a few.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Research and Development (R&D) Associate participates and oversees the operations of an assigned territory for Helena's R&D team. Our R&D teams are responsible for application, evaluation and development of cutting-edge technologies in a variety of agriculture and specialty markets. Helena is also developing and implementing the use of precision ag tools, such as drones and imagery for research and development purposes.

Within your territory, you will work with a variety of crops making applications of crop protection (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, nematicides) and crop production (fertilizers, bioscience, biologicals) products. This includes working with various seeds and crops for new trait development, tolerance to pesticides for nutrient use, efficiency and drought stress tolerance.

You will collaborate with Helena teams and customers to present the findings of studies being conducted. In addition to your own responsibilities, you will also manage a team consisting of R&D Technicians and Interns. This role also gives you the opportunity to interface with cross-functional Helena teams in our Western Business Unit, as well as major ag industry manufacturers in crop production and crop protection industries.

WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE

• Facilitates the development protocols for product testing. This includes all aspects of the trial protocol such as cropping system, target and secondary pest, treatment list, application, evaluation parameters and trial location.
• Negotiates and monitors all contracted research with cooperators within assigned area.
• Assists in the construction, implementation, maintenance and dismantling of field and greenhouse research trials.
• Orchestrates team schedule by communicating with growers, customers and employees.
• Easily pivots to make changes based on needs.
• Calculates, mixes and applies experimental and standard agricultural products in research and commercial applications.
• Coordinates and stewards the collection, packaging and shipping of all products used in R&D within assigned area.
• Prepares and coordinates local and state regulatory compliance documentation.
• Monitors trials, analyzes and compares data and documents results with film, video, notes, etc.
• Enters application and evaluation data into our statistical analysis research programs.
• Analyzes trial data and prepares reports and presentations for distribution.
• Provides research results to appropriate team members, vendors, academia and customers including sales meeting presentations, training and supplier meetings.
• Notes product handling, mixing and application characteristics and makes suggestions for improvement.
• Develops and implements methods and procedures for monitoring products/projects. This includes providing information to support budgets, expenditures, data and progress reports.
• Instructs and leads Helena R&D Interns and Technicians.
• Performs facility and equipment inspections and maintenance.
• May be required to operate a company vehicle.
• Provides excellent customer service to all internal and external customers.
• Other work-related duties as assigned by your leader.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Follows all company policies and procedures.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Science is preferred.
• One year of agricultural field research experience is required.
• Prior leadership experience is preferred.
• Qualified Applicator License (QAL) is required but can be gained during employment.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Presentation skills.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to influence others without directly managing them.
• Time management.
• Ability to easily adapt to unexpected changes in project scope.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a high level of activity under a variety of conditions and constraints.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Data analysis skills.
• Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office, research software, internet, etc.).
• Ability to read, write and speak in English is required.
• Communicating in Spanish is a valuable skill at Helena.
• Valid U.S. driver's license is required to drive a company vehicle.

Successful completion of a drug test and background check is required for all positions at Helena.

BEING A LEADER AT HELENA

At Helena, our leaders are expected to demonstrate the same qualities that we value in our employees -- integrity, passion and accountability. In this leadership role, you will be…