Answer plot research specialist

ANSWER PLOT RESEARCH SPECIALIST – WISCONSIN

Winfield Solutions, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, offers top-performing seed and crop protection products with unmatched agricultural expertise and performance as core company values.

Position Purpose:

This is a home-based position with ideal candidate living within an hour of West Salem, WI. The Research Specialist role is the operating arm of an Answer Plot crew. The person in this role performs all aspects of operational functions including but not limited to: Research equipment preparation & operation, seed prep, equipment transport, field operations, GIS applications, and mapping across the state of Wisconsin. The Research Specialist reports to a Research Manager for his/her designated territory and assists in planning and executing the Answer Plot objectives for his/her region. The Research Specialist must be able to communicate effectively, keep detailed records, and follow instructions. Customer focus is imperative.

– Work with the LOL safety team to ensure DOT and Safety compliance. This includes tracking fuel receipts, submitting info to RAIR for auditing; ensuring proper log book procedures are followed.

– Crop scouting/advising: Considerable time will be spent walking Answer Plots to evaluate weed control, insect infestations and disease outbreaks, consulting with RAs or TSMs on solutions, and planning/executing operations to resolve issues with crop production.

– Answer Plot maintenance and preparation: Considerable time is devoted to preparing sites for training sessions or grower field days. Grooming plots and planning protocol execution to coincide with these events is paramount.

– Oversee and coordinate temporary labor needs: Summer Research Technicians require direction from Research Specialists to complete operational goals. The RS develops workflows and task lists and trains Summer Research Technicians on skills necessary to complete the work in a timely manner with exceptional quality.

– Answer Plot Planning Activities: The Research Specialist will assist his/her Research Manager in a number of planning and organizing tasks such as but not limited to the following: sourcing sites, developing/negotiating contracts, site layout, entry lists, database setup, equipment prep, fertilizer and CPP planning, operational plans, crop staging/moistures, and data flow planning.

 

Experience-Education (Required):

– Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Ag related field

– Must have or able to obtain a Class A CDL and a WI Pesticide Applicators License

– Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

– Travel extensively during the growing season to establish, maintain, and harvest research trials and demonstrations for corn, soybeans, corn silage and alfalfa.

– Knowledge and work experience of agricultural machinery

– GIS and computer skills essential

 

Competencies-Skills (Required):

– Communication: Delivers clear, concise, and effective verbal and written messages directed to the appropriate audience(s).

– Delivers Results: Makes commitments and keeps them. Gets things done in collapsed time frames. Reduces complexity and increases focus. Delivers industry leading results.

– Adaptability/Flexibility: Maintains effectiveness despite changes. Can change direction quickly. Can support/adapt to change despite disagreeing with it.

– Workload Management: Effectively organizes time, people, and activities.  Prioritizes necessary processes to get things done in a timely manner with accuracy and attention to detail.

– Critical Thinking Skills: Gathers and integrates critical information, recognizing and addressing underlying assumptions of others, to arrive at effective solutions. Breaks down problems into simple tasks or activities. Analyzes relationships among several parts of a problem or situation.

– Customer Focus: Responds appropriately and takes personal responsibility for meeting customers’ expectations. Maintains effective communications with customers. Works to improve service with customers by knowing and anticipating customers’ needs and matching needs to products/services.

– Technical/professional Knowledge and Skills: Has a satisfactory level of technical and professional skills or knowledge in agronomy, Ag Technology, and Ag Business.

 

Experience-Education (Preferred):

– Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy or Agricultural Related Field

– 2 years of small plot research, retail sales, or precision agriculture experience.

 

Competencies-Skills (Preferred):

– GIS and Database applications

– Takes responsibility for one’s own actions, commitment, and development.

– Sets goals and takes initiative to continuously improve performance, processes, and products.