Cropping and Equipment Specialist

About the role

Kemin Industries Specialty Crop Improvement is seeking a passionate and innovative team member to join our farm operations team, where cutting-edge research meets hands-on agriculture. This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on agricultural professional who thrives in both farm operations and innovation. The role supports daily farm management across cultivation, spraying, harvesting, equipment maintenance, service, and diagnostics, while also contributing to research initiatives focused on specialty crops including spearmint, marigold, rosemary, oregano, and Chinese lanterns. We're looking for a creative, research-minded problem solver who is comfortable operating large farm equipment, adaptable when plans change mid-process, and excited to test new equipment, follow SOPs, collect data, and help drive continuous improvement in the field.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute equipment maintenance program and document service performed in a log.
• Diagnose issues and make necessary repairs and adjustments to equipment.
• Develop personal contacts with third-party equipment dealers, service, and parts departments for parts acquisition and troubleshooting maintenance.
• Set up, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, modify, and operate agricultural implements and components.
• Plan and execute field testing of specialty agriculture equipment in consultation with Cropping Research Manager and other SCI teams.
• Record findings and create written reports to document conditions, performance, quality, and work performed by specialty agriculture equipment in novel cropping systems.
• Implement techniques for precision planting of specialty crops to achieve uniform plant stands.
• Identify and develop strategies for cultivation of specialty crops with a focus on mechanical weed control solutions using new or experimental equipment to reduce manual labor.
• Assist in development of procedures for material handling and processing of Specialty Crops as they become commercial in consultation with Cropping Research Manager.
• Conduct field establishment (transplanting, seeding, etc.), field applications (fertility inputs, pesticides, etc.), and other field operations (cultivation, manual weed control, etc.) at SCI Kelley Research Farm.
• Participate in maintenance of all farm irrigation equipment/stations/ponds, grounds maintenance (landscaping, grass ways, etc.), and building maintenance (storage, workspaces, etc.) on the property.
• Participate in on-farm preparation for tours and customer visits to the SCI Kelley Research Farm.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in an Agriculture or Maintenance related field with 3+ years of related experience OR High School Diploma with 7+ years of related experience.
• Experience with operation and maintenance of various farm equipment.
• Welding (shielded metal arc welding, "stick") and plasma cutting experience.
• Must have or be able to acquire a pesticide applicators certificate for the state of Iowa.
• Safe forklift operation and ability to maintain a forklift license.
• Proficient in English; multilingual (Spanish) is a benefit.
• Basic computer skills, including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, etc.
• A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• In-house learning platforms offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.