Station Technician Champaign

About the role

KWS Cereals USA is seeking a Station Technician to support wheat breeding activities through various field research operations.

Responsibilities

• Support the Station Manager in executing effective field research operations at all locations, including preparation, sowing, maintenance, and harvest of the breeding nursery and yield trials.
• Operate required proprietary software for data collection.
• Operate small research equipment such as tractors, plot planters, sprayers, and plot combines.
• Ensure adequate maintenance of company assets.
• Aid breeders in field data collection and harvest activities.
• Cookordination necessary activities to turn around seeds between harvest and sowing.
• Train and provide technical supervision of seasonal staff.
• Ensure purchasing is within budget and authority levels are not exceeded.
• Work variable hours as needed.
• Follow company handbook, rules, guidelines, procedures, and safety policies, and use personal protective equipment correctly.
• Regularly travel and/or drive on behalf of the business.
• Meet attendance requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of crop production, farming practices, and farm equipment operation and repair.
• Good mechanical skills.
• Ability to work outdoors.
• Ability to work non-standard hours when needed.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to obtain and maintain a CDL.
• Possession or ability to obtain and maintain a forklift driver's license.
• Possession or ability to obtain and maintain a pesticide applicators license.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Able to work in varied environmental conditions (loud, hot, cold, dusty, damp, etc.), which will include outdoor work and exposure to different pollens.
• Able to work individually and within a team setting.
• Able to work rotating shifts as needed (including weekends, night shifts, and holidays).
• Able to travel domestically and internationally.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Agriculture or related degree preferred.
• 2+ years of applicable work experience in crop farming and/or field-based research environment.
• People management skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary ($25.5 - $28 per hour), bonus system, health, dental, vision benefits, pension plan with employer match, flexible paid-time-off (PTO), professional training and development opportunities.