Practical Farm Research (PFR) Location Lead

This position is responsible for the overall organizing, planning, managing, documenting, and reporting Practical Farm Research findings to the PFR Operations Manager. This position is authorized to perform the steps necessary to ensure the responsibilities are met and/or to direct these responsibilities to be done by a PFR Technician or Practical Farm Research intern.

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

• Collaborate with other PFR Location Leads, PFR Operations Manager, and PFR Agronomists to develop plot layouts for research studies planned for each season. Include name and purpose of the study, seed products and quantities of seed needed, and any other important information necessary for the successful completion of all studies. Include a map showing the location of the proposed studies.
• Responsible for ensuring the maintenance of equipment is in good working order through regularly scheduled service and maintenance. Responsible for ensuring service records are performed by the PFR Technician on all equipment and stored in a detailed and easily accessible file.
• Direct and assist with all daily field operations to be done, such as all tillage, planting, spraying, mowing, cultivating, fertilizer applications, as well as, note taking, harvest and data collection.
• Responsible for ensuring the collection of accurate records of activities completed, date(s) completed, names and rates of products used, monthly rainfall, field and environmental conditions when the activities were being performed, and any other notes that would help track plot progress and diagnose future problems.
• Responsible for ensuring sign shop needs are communicated to the PFR Data + Logistic Manager by the PFR Technician.
• Interview and hire summer PFR Interns.
• Responsible for ensuring that all plots are maintained in good visual condition during the growing season through mowing, weeding, and tilling.
• Oversee installation of appropriate signs uniformly on plots, following consistent guidelines for numbering and lettering so signs look consistent and uniform.
• Collaborate with the Event Logistics Coordinator(s) in the preparation of the research facility for all field shows.
• Speak on research findings at Field Shows, Winter Meetings and other company events, as deemed necessary by the PFR Operations Manager.
• Provide a detailed, as planted, plot layout to the PFR Data + Logistics Manager shortly after planting.
• Assist in training farmers, dealers, Seed Advisors and Field Agronomists regarding PFR plots.
• Provide PFR Data + Logistics Manager with completed PFR data by established deadlines
• Communicate all activities to the PFR Data + Logistics Manager or PFR Operations Manager.
• Any other duties as deemed necessary by the PFR Operations Manager.

Job Requirements

Education and Training:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy or other agricultural related field or equivalent work experience.
• 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.

Technical Knowledge:

• Chauffer license or equivalent required.
• Basic computer and current software skills.
• Fork truck license.
• Currently have or have ability to obtain pesticide applicator license

Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years experience in agronomic field services or research.

Physical Demands:

• May be required to lift up to 70 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to pass DOT physical examination and obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate may be required.
• Ability to operate field scale equipment such as combines, sprayers, tractors and planters required.

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.