Agricultural Field Technician

About the role

The role is focused on managing the day-to-day operations of the Amalgamated Sugar Company’s insectary and greenhouse, as well as supporting scientifically rigorous research trials in the field.

Responsibilities

• Insectary and Greenhouse Management
• Manage day-to-day insectary and greenhouse operations with minimal supervision, prioritizing tasks to meet timelines.
• Propagate, grow, and maintain sugarbeet plants to support insect colonies and experiments (e.g., seeding, transplanting, watering, fertilization, and sanitation).
• Rear beet leafhoppers and maintain healthy colonies; produce and deliver adequate numbers of viruliferous leafhoppers for field trials according to established protocols.
• Scout plants routinely for insects, mites, and diseases; implement integrated pest management (IPM) and apply pesticides as needed in accordance with label directions and all applicable state/federal requirements.
• Maintain greenhouse and insectary infrastructure, including environmental controls, irrigation systems, lighting, benches, and insect containment features; perform and coordinate repairs and preventive maintenance as needed.
• Monitor and document key environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, and photoperiod) and adjust settings to maintain consistent plant and insect performance.
• Maintain cleanliness to prevent spread of pests or pathogens between experiments and growing areas.
• Maintain accurate records for pesticide applications, and trial support activities.
• Track and maintain inventory of plants, insects, growing supplies, and chemicals; coordinate ordering and proper storage/disposal in compliance with regulations.
• Promote safe work practices in the greenhouse and insectary, including proper PPE use, chemical handling, and hazard reporting; recommend and implement improvements to safety procedures.
• Field and Technical Support
• Support the Chief Scientist – Senior Plant Pathologist and Research Agronomist in planning, organizing, and executing field and glasshouse research trials.
• Assist with establishing experiments, including trial design support, plot layout and marking, planting/seeding, and accurate application of experimental treatments.
• Perform routine cultural practices and plot maintenance (e.g., cultivation, thinning, fertilization support, replanting, and border management) to maintain trial integrity.
• Manage day-to-day trial operations, including irrigation scheduling, crop scouting, and weed/insect/disease control; calibrate and operate application equipment and ensure treatments are applied safely and according to protocol and label requirements.
• Collect research measurements and samples as assigned; follow protocols for sampling, labeling, handling, and storage to protect data quality and traceability.
• Aid in harvest operations, including plot harvesting and collection of yield and quality data.
• Enter, organize, and format trial data using Microsoft Excel; perform basic data checks to identify missing values, outliers, or inconsistencies.
• Maintain accurate, timely records of trial activities (e.g., field operations, treatment applications, scouting observations, deviations, and equipment logs) in accordance with research documentation standards.
• Assist with transporting research and farm equipment by road, including safe loading/unloading, securing loads, and trailering as needed.
• Operate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on research equipment and small plot implements (e.g., planters, sprayers, pumps, and sensors) and report repair needs promptly.
• Communicate progress and field observations (e.g., pest pressure, disease symptoms, stand issues, irrigation problems) and escalate urgent issues to project leads in a timely manner.
• Cook up day-to-day logistics for trial work, including staging supplies, preparing labels and datasheets, and assisting with training/oversight of seasonal staff when assigned.
• Ensure field and glasshouse work is conducted safely (PPE, chemical safety, equipment operation, and heat/cold stress awareness) and contribute to continuous improvement of safe work practices.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in agronomy, soil, or plant science is required.
• Experience with greenhouse operations is required and with farm equipment is desirable.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a ID/OR pesticide applicator license is required, and to obtain and maintain an Idaho or Oregon State Commercial Class A driver’s license (CDL) is desirable.
• Knowledge of trial management or replicated small plot research is desirable.

Skills

• Interest in greenhouse work and entomology; comfort working around insects is essential.
• Plant production and care skills (seeding, transplanting, watering, fertilization), insect rearing/handling, pesticide use, and operation of basic farm/greenhouse implements.
• Valid driver’s license in Idaho or Oregon (or ability to obtain).
• Current Idaho and Oregon pesticide applicator license(s), or willingness/ability to obtain both within 6 months of employment.
• Idaho or Oregon Commercial Class A driver’s license (CDL), or willingness/ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow research protocols, treatment plans, and data-collection methods consistently.
• Comfortable with accurate recordkeeping and documentation (e.g., pesticide application records, environmental logs, and trial notes).
• Basic math and measurement skills for mixing, calibrating, and applying treatments and for collecting field/greenhouse data.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining common greenhouse.
• Ability to follow sanitation, containment, and biosecurity procedures to protect insect colonies and prevent cross-contamination between trials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; willingness to learn Adobe InDesign.
• Highly organized with the ability to plan work, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to workplace safety, including proper PPE, chemical safety, equipment safety, and proactive hazard identification and reporting.
• Ability to work under time-sensitive conditions while maintaining a professional, steady approach.
• High personal integrity, reliability, and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset; communicates effectively and builds positive working relationships internally and externally.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Not specified.

Schedule

Not specified.