Research Equipment Specialist at Land O'Lakes, Inc. in River Falls, Wisconsin

Job Description:

Research Equipment Specialist

This role will be primarily responsible for assisting the Product Development Research Managers with implementing their research projects in the field and at the Innovation Center Seed Care lab. The role will support all lines of business including crop protection products, adjuvants, seed care and plant nutrition in all field plot related activities throughout the year. Work includes plot preparation, product applications in the field or labs; field, lab and greenhouse evaluations, data entry and report writing. Individual will conduct all research processes following established operational protocols and safety protocols. The role will also collaborate with other research areas in Product Development when project priorities change throughout the year. These include; spray application technology, controlled environments, chemistry and formulation, safety and compliance, data management, tours, and demand creation.

Field Research - 40%

Support all lines of business including crop protection products, adjuvants, seed care and plant nutrition in all field plot related activities throughout the year. Work includes assisting in protocol development using ARM, PRISM or other tools; research planning, plot preparation, planting, product applications, field evaluations, harvesting, and data entry. Individual will conduct all research processes following established operational protocols and safety protocols. Provide insights to research managers and data team based on in-field experiences. Assist with management and training of field intern's activities and research projects. Ability to operate field equipment including but not limited to: JD commercial sprayer, Skywalker, combines, tractors and tractor mounted equipment. Individual will be the CDL driver responsible for transporting equipment to various research sites.

Seed Treatment Lab - 30%

Manage seed treatment operations conducted in the Seed Care laboratory throughout the year. Comprehend and follow seed treatment protocols for testing projects in the field and Controlled Environment facilities. This includes working knowledge and safely operating all relevant equipment. Also included are data collection, data entry, and assisting with developing insights. Assist with management and training of interns.

Cross Functional Support - 20%

Collaborate with other labs and research managers to fulfill research demands for Winfield United Product Development. Those include spray application technology, chemistry and formulation, safety and compliance, data management, tours, and demand creation. Participate and assist with intern orientation and training.

Safety - 10%

Follow all field, Innovation Center and Winfield United safety rules, regulations, and operational procedures to ensure personal and staff safety. Participate in monthly safety meetings with the Product Development team and complete all safety modules as assigned. Read and follow all relevant SOPs. Assist in keeping all labs, field facilities and equipment safe and clean.

Required Qualifications:

Experience and Education

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in biology or related fields; agronomy
  
  


• 2+ years of experience in the agriculture industry
  
  

Competencies & Other Skills

• Good, analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills
  
  


• Understands & adheres to good experimental techniques.
  
  


• Understanding of business
  
  


• Effective communication skills
  
  


• Detailed oriented
  
  


• Valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Class A CDL license
  
  


• Ability to obtain pesticide applicator license
  
  


• Flexibility in being able to change daily tasks
  
  


• Work in multiple areas
  
  


• Time management
  
  


• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience and Education

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, biology or related field
  
  


• 2 years' experience in a biological field
  
  


• 1 years of laboratory experience and working knowledge in lab processes, OSHA requirements, industry processes, and industry standards through government organizations and industry groups such as ASTM and CPDA-AIC
  
  


• 2 years R&D experience working in a greenhouse, growth chamber setting; experience with raising plant materials in Greenhouse/growth chambers, experience in collecting various plant measurements.
  
  

Competencies & Other Skills

• Understanding of the agriculture business and its products
  
  


• 
  Class A CDL license
  
  


• 
  Forklift certified
  
  


• Act with integrity, deliver results, and demonstrate thought leadership
  
  

Travel requirements: 5%

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.