Research Farm Assistant - Florida

Research Farm Assistant - Florida

Are you interested in a Research Farm Assistant position that provides technical farming support to a research station? Do you have experience in agriculture, growing, and farm equipment? Do you want to work for a people-oriented company with excellent benefits? If so, apply for the Research Farm Assistant full-time position at our location in Felda, Florida.

The purpose of the Research Farm Assistant role is to assist in delivering on farm project goals by providing technical assistance on the farm and to support the Station Manager with the functional activities of a research station.

What are the typical responsibilities for the Research Farm Assistant?

• Functioning as an integral member of a field trialing team responsible for crop production inputs utilizing irrigation equipment, tractors, planters, combines and other farm implements. Other duties include packaging, mapping, staking, planting, pruning, tying, harvesting, data collection, pollinating, seed processing, and recording information.
• Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety related company policies and practices, including completing all required Company training courses and attending local safety and tailgate meetings.
• On-call for various types of farm emergencies or unscheduled work based on business needs or weather.
• In areas of responsibility and in coordination with the farm team, assist in determining quantities, and arrange and/or apply needed agricultural chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, fumigants).
• Involvement in all activities of the selection nurseries, disease and insect screening, and commercial trials.
• Be able to obtain a pesticide applicator and fumigation license.
• Assist in the overseeing of tasks completed by third-party labor to ensure accurate results.

• Effectively communicating regularly and with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional information

• The ideal candidate is Spanish speaking, has growing experience, and has prior experience running and maintaining farm equipment.

• Physical demands of the essential functions: Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in the field or greenhouses. Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds. Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the research cycle.

• Potential allergens-pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in field or greenhouse. Exposure to high and low temperatures, sun, rain, high humidity and dust.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Team oriented
• Excellent customer service attitude

• Must have a valid driver's license.

• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

What can you expect from us?

Besides an enjoyable job involving contact with colleagues from various departments and countries, we can offer you:

• Various training courses through our very own Rijk Zwaan Academy
• The freedom to take initiative and work on your own development
• A team-oriented working atmosphere
• Good work and life balance

Excellent full benefits

Health, Dental, Long-Term Disability, Employer Funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), Family Fitness Benefit, and exceptional 401k Matching Program.

Rijk Zwaan is an international family-owned company with a people-oriented culture. Rijk Zwaan is right at the start of the food chain. We develop vegetable varieties and sell the seeds produced from them globally. We take great pride in contributing to the health and well-being of people all over the world. Rijk Zwaan currently employs over 4,000 people globally in over 30 countries. Our most important focus is the growth for our people: we give you every opportunity to use your own initiative and achieve your full potential. Working with colleagues to produce the best and tastiest vegetables. We continuously strive to work together towards a healthy future.