Testing Site Lead

Advanced Level Position in Agricultural Research

This is an advanced level position in the Research Department which requires experience in the field of agricultural research, specifically in replicated crop testing. The main responsibility for this job will be leading day to day activities of yield testing staff at Beck's testing sites.

As a member of the Beck's Family of employees, all full-time employees are eligible for a generous benefits package:

• Health benefits including two medical plan options and company HSA contributions, dental, vision, employer paid life/AD&D for you and your dependents, disability insurance, and access to an onsite Nurse Practitioner
• 401k plan match & company sponsored pension plan and access to a Financial Advisor to help you manage your retirement savings
• Paid time off, Paid Holidays, Wellness Programs, & Corporate Discounts
• Company Christmas Party, Free Lunch, Two Hundred Dollar Merchandise Allowance, & Much More

Responsibilities

• Coordinate plot locations and logistics with plot cooperators
  • Ensure plots are of the desired characteristics
  • Ensure plots are measured and flagged accurately
• Planting of mini-strip and replicated plots
  • Transporting planting equipment to outlying locations
  • Ensuring plots are planted as directed by the Testing Manager
• Data Collection
  • Collect data needed as directed by the Testing Manager
• Plot maintenance
  • Work with cooperators to ensure plots are maintained to Beck's standards
  • Apply fertilizer, herbicide, and insecticide as needed
• Plot harvest
  • Transporting harvest equipment to outlying locations
  • Collect fall agronomic notes (standability, plant integrity, etc.)
  • Conduct harvest of mini-strip and replicated plots
• Research equipment maintenance
  • Ensure machinery is maintained to Beck's Hybrids standards to minimize downtime
  • Diagnose and make repairs as needed
• Supervise full time and part time testing employees on site.
• Participate in interviewing team members on site.
• Ensure part time labor needs are met to accomplish tasks directed by the Testing Manager.
• Work with other department leads on site in an effort to keep the site operating at maximum efficiency.
• Assist with other duties as required by the Testing Manager.

Job Requirements

1. Education and Training:
   • Bachelor of Science degree in an agricultural related field
   • Class A CDL
   • Pesticide applicator license
   • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck's automobile insurance policy.
   • This is a safety-sensitive position.
2. Technical Requirements
   • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
   • Possess strong agronomic and mechanical skills
   • Possess positive attitude
   • Strong agricultural knowledge
   • Ability to establish priorities, work independently, work as a team member, and proceed with objectives without supervision
   • Skill to use personal computer and various software packages
   • Overnight travel is required
   • Possess a high level of attention to detail
   • Strong working knowledge of field research equipment, specifically plot planters, plot combines and data collection equipment, and field computers.
3. Physical demands
   • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 70 pounds occasionally
   • Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
   • Ability to work in all weather conditions
   • Must be able to pass DOT physical examination and obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate.
4. Experience
   • A minimum of 5 years field research experience. Supervisory experience preferred

** In an effort to provide a safer, drug-free workplace for employees, all full-time applicants to whom offers of employment are made must submit to a drug test and background check, subject to applicable local, state, or federal laws or regulations. Employment at Beck's is contingent upon passing these pre-employment screenings.