Join Land O'Lakes, Inc., and help us bring food from farmer to fork, building vibrant communities along the way. We're a global, Fortune 250 company and a farmer-owned cooperative, which means we work for one another-not Wall Street. We're proud to rank a Top Workplace. We offer:

• Competitive compensation and rewards


• Best-in-class healthcare for you and your family


• Powerful savings programs


• Training and career progression

Agronomic Research Associate

We're hiring an Agronomic Research Specialist to work at our answer plot locations in the Southern Minnesota Territory. The Research Specialist role is the operating arm of an Answer Plot Team. The person in this role performs all aspects of operational functions including but not limited to: farm equipment preparation & operation, seed prep, equipment transport, field operations and GIS applications. The Research Specialist reports to a Research Manager for and assists in planning and executing the Answer Plot objectives for his/her region. The Research Specialist must be able to communicate effectively, keep detailed records, and follow instructions. Customer focus is imperative.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Crop scouting/advising: Walk Answer Plots to evaluate weed control, insect infestations and disease outbreaks, consulting with Agronomists or Technical Seed Managers on solutions, and planning operations to resolve issues with crop production.
  
  


• Field Operations: Planting, spraying, harvest and protocol execution at each plot location.
  
  


• Answer Plot maintenance and preparation: Prepare sites for training sessions or grower field days. Grooming plots and planning protocol execution to coincide with these events is paramount.
  
  


• Oversee and coordinate summer interns: Summer Research Technicians require direction from Research Specialists to complete operational goals. The Research Specialist develops workflows and task lists and trains Summer Research Technicians on skills necessary to complete the work in a timely manner.
  
  


• Answer Plot Planning Activities: Assist Research Manager in a number of planning and organizing tasks such as but not limited to the following: sourcing sites, developing contracts, site layout, entry lists, database setup, equipment prep, fertilizer and Crop Protection Product (CPP) planning, operational plans, and data flow planning
  
  


• Work with the Land O'Lakes safety team to ensure DOT and Safety compliance. This includes tracking fuel receipts, RAIR compliance; ensuring proper log book procedures are followed.
  
  

Experience and Education:

• College degree in Ag related field or related experience may be considered
  
  


• 2 years of small plot or Ag retail experience desired
  
  


• Must have or can obtain a Class A CDL and Pesticide Applicators License within first 60 days of employment
  
  


• Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft suite of products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Desire experience with Arc GIS.
  
  


• Must have a valid driver's license acceptable to company policy in order to operate company vehicle
  
  


• Previous experience operating farm or research equipment desired
  
  


• Role will require daily and overnight travel, as well as extended hours (including weekends) (50% or more)
  
  

Competencies and other skills:

• Must have ability to lift 50 lbs, able to climb on and off of farm/research equipment
  
  


• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  
  


• Able to walk and work in field plots.
  
  


• Should be able to communicate with all levels (verbal and written).
  
  


• Strong attention to detail.
  
  


• Understanding of technical and professional skills or knowledge in Agronomy, Ag Technology, and Ag Business profession.
  
  


• Ability to partner closely and meet the needs of internal and external customers
  
  

Environment: Farm/research equipment can be loud, fields are dusty and dirty, and weather conditions can vary from hot and humid to cold and wet.

Depending upon experience we anticipate the successful candidate will be hired at a pay range between approximately $55,000-$80,000

As a full time employee you will receive a wide range of benefits for you and your dependents:

• 3 medical plan choices including HSA plan options

• Vision & dental plan

• Company paid Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability, parental leave, caregiver leave and emergency leave

• 401(k) plan with company match and additional automatic contribution regardless of participation

• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and Employee Assistance Program

• Wellness program focused on Physical, Financial and Emotional Health with opportunity for cash incentives

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including pre- and 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.

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