Research Farm Technician

Research Farm Technician

Illinois Foundation Seeds Inc. (IFSI) is seeking a highly motivated research farm technician based in Arlington, WI who will primarily support the sweet corn research breeding program, while also assisting the root vegetable breeding program, in the breeding, evaluation, and development of superior germplasm for use in vegetable seed markets worldwide. Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute crop management (fertilizer, weed and pest control) for on-site and off-site trials and nurseries. Activities may include spraying herbicides, maintaining accurate application records, and coordinating with 3rd party cooperators and applicators.
• Lead field prep activities in the spring as well as fall field cleanup and tillage.
• Lead all research farm activities related to equipment operation, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of research facilities.
• Coordinate and complete irrigation activities according to needs of the station breeding programs.
• Assist with activities related to variety testing, including coordinating testing sites, seed preparation, inventory management, planting, plot maintenance, and data collection.
• Assist in leadership of pollination, tissue sampling, data collection and disease inoculation in breeding nurseries.
• Assist with nursery harvest, drying, shelling, and treating of resulting seed.
• Lead part-time and seasonal labor daily to accomplish goals of the research program.
• Execute research project protocols, generating high quality, accurate, and timely data to support breeding decisions
• Collaborate and support breeding program activities as needed.
• Ensure all tasks are completed in a safe, accurate and efficient manner and lead process improvement in these areas.

Qualifications/Knowledge Needed:

• A.S. degree or equivalent years of experience in Horticulture, Crop Science, Agronomy, or related field.
• Ability to operate and maintain farm equipment such as planters, sprayers, tillage, and harvest equipment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Wisconsin commercial pesticide applicators license.
• Excellent computer skills for data acquisition and reporting.
• Demonstrates high attention to detail and accuracy in all activities.
• Prior experience operating equipment in an agricultural setting and a valid driver's license required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrates strong ability to work independently along with good team leadership and management skills.
• Ability to travel to nursery and trial testing locations.
• Capable of working in greenhouse conditions or fields during periods of high heat, humidity, and rain.
• Ability to lift 75 lbs.

Benefits:

• Employees can expect to be paid between $22.00 to $27.00 per hour
• Additional compensation may include a bonus (if relevant)
• This salary range is merely an estimate and may vary based on market data/ranges, an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors
• Additional benefits include health care, vision, dental, life, STD, LTD, retirement, PTO etc.

Reporting: This position reports directly to the Research Station Manager. IFSI is an equal opportunity employer.