Research Associate

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, & Much More

Responsibilities

• Coordinate plot locations and logistics with plot cooperators
  • Measuring and setting flags
  • Working with cooperators to ensure proper seedbed preparation, fertility program and weed control
• Seed Preparation
  • Prepare seed for mini-strip and replicated testing
• Planting of mini-strip and replicated plots
  • Transporting planting equipment to outlying locations
  • Ensuring plots are planted as directed by the Testing Site Lead
• Data Collection
  • Stand counts, early vigor, and plot ratings
  • Flowering data
  • Physical characteristics (Plant and ear heights, etc)
  • Disease evaluation and agronomic notes
• Plot Maintenance
  • Work with cooperators to ensure plots are maintained to Beck’s Hybrids’ standards
  • Apply fertilizer, herbicide, and insecticide as needed
• Plot Harvest
  • Transport harvest equipment to outlying locations
  • Collect fall agronomic notes (stability, 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
• Data Reporting
  • Some duties may include reporting notes, harvest data, and preparation of yield reports for Beck’s Product Development Staff
• Warehousing/distribution
  • Inventory incoming shipments
  • Organize and stage outgoing shipments
  • Load/unload trucks as needed
  • Perform seed deliveries as needed
• Aid in isolated corn block, nursery, and winter nursery work
• Supervise full time employees, part time employees, and interns that report to the Research Associates as needed
• Work in other areas of Beck’s Hybrids’ operations as directed by the Testing Site Lead to ensure efficient site operations.

Job Requirements

1. Education and training:

• Minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalent, advanced degree preferred
• Class A CDL or the ability to obtain
• Pesticide applicator license or the ability to obtain
• Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy

1. Technical knowledge:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Possess strong agronomic and mechanical skills
• Possess positive attitude
• 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

       3. Physical demands:

• Ability to pass DOT physical examination and obtain Medical Examiner’s Certificate is required
• Overnight travel is required
• Must be able to lift up to 70 pounds unassisted

1. Experience:

• Field Research and/or Agriculture 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.