JOB DESCRIPTION:

Throughout the 20th century, BASF has played a leading role in agriculture and nutrition. BASF Plant Science (BPS) was founded in 1998 and is represented at seven sites in four countries. With this international network of expertise, BPS is especially well equipped to be a leader in plant biotechnology. We develop sustainable solutions for superior agricultural productivity, better and healthier nutrition and renewable resources.  Leadership, creativity, teamwork and passion combined with our unique plant biotechnology expertise are the foundation for our success.
 
The Field Trial Associates are a members of the Development team within the BASF Plant Science organization.  Under supervision of the Field Trial Supervisor, or Applied Genetics Manager, The Associates, conduct non-GM trials and seed production with a diverse range of maize phenotypes.  The field trial associate will also support the local USDA-regulated field trial program comprised of four locations.  This program supports the testing needs of a high throughput multi-target trait pipeline supporting primarily maize.  Responsibilities may include: seed preparation for planting; operation and maintenance of planting equipment, chemical application, plot maintenance; tissue sampling; data and regulated tissue sample collection; hand pollination to produce seed for future tireals and grain for compositional analysis; operation and maintenance of combine for mechanical harvest; hand harvest and delivery of ear and grain samples to the processing and analytics lab in Ames, IA; responsible for local execution of BPS and USDA Regulatory Compliance measures including maintenance of isolation distances, training for part-time staff, transgenic seed containment, and volunteer monitoring and management; hiring and day-to-day management of up to 40 part-time employees during peak seasonal workload (i.e. hand pollination and harvest).

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• M.S. Degree in Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Crop Science, Genetics, Crop Protection, Biological Sciences, or related field -OR- B.S. Degree with agricultural experience -OR- Associates Degree with agricultural experience
• Ability and willingness to work in adverse environmental conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, and sunshine
• Willingness to travel to winter nurseries for approximately 3 weeks per year
• Demonstrated expertise with MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, and Lotus Notes or similar applications in a network environment
• Demonstrated experience with field research equipment such as tractors, planters, sprayers, combines, handheld data collection devices, label printers/software, seed counters, moisture meters, shellers, and other instruments unique to the seed industry

DESIRED:

• Experience participating in field research
• Experience leading temporary employees
• Current CDL or ability and willingness to obtain one
• Ability to obtain state-certified Pesticide Applicator License
• Demonstrated experience working with USDA-regulated organisms in a field testing environment

APPLY:

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