Research Associate MT

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Research Associate will be primarily responsible for the seed research program in efforts to create superior varieties and supporting targeted goals and quality seeds. This position reports to the Director of Research and Varietal Development.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for on and off-station small grains yield and nursery locations throughout Montana and the intermountain West.  
• Perform field operations at all locations such as seed preparation for trials, planting, note-taking, plot maintenance, harvest, and shipping to customers.
• Manage all site equipment such as seed conditioning devices, tractors, planters, combines, trucks, and trailers to ensure proper functioning order to minimize downtime.
• Occasionally assist with planting and harvest operations in Arizona and California.
• Work with Legal group to obtain proper Contracts for all Second Nature Research activities in Montana.
• Responsible for maintaining the highest level of confidentiality, customer service and professionalism; responsible for promoting a positive image of the company and the research department.
• Participate with team to successfully maintain quality standards.
• Promote and expand a strong safety culture across all sites, adhering to safety protocols and implementing preventing measures
• Purchasing necessary items for the site while following BSI process.
• Ability to work extended hours under variable environmental and ergonomic conditions associated with planting and harvesting.  
• Perform other assignments as requested by the Director of Research and Varietal Development to achieve department and company business goals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities

EDUCATION/LICENSES/CERTIFICATION/FORMAL TRAINING:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or scientific field.
• At least Four (4) years’ comparable experience in seed industry is desirable.
• Demonstrated computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Valid commercial driver’s license (Class A)
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English and work-related Spanish

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• At least Four (4) years’ comparable experience in seed industry is desirable.

• Demonstrated knowledge of good laboratory/ field research techniques.
• Experience safely operating forklift, lift trucks, dollies and other loading and moving equipment used in warehouse operations.
• Ability to work extended hours under variable environmental and ergonomic conditions associated with planting, harvesting, and note taking.
• Possess good interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication skills in English and work-related Spanish, a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be physically capable of lifting, carrying and loading up to 50-pound weight.
• Ability to stand for extended periods; bend, stoop, push, pull and kneel frequently.
• Flexibility to walk and/or stand for extended periods of time as well as climb stairs/ladders as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work to be performed in an industrial manufacturing/processing environment: indoors and outdoors.
• Work in a fast-paced environment with rapid hand and eye coordination.
• May be required to work in outside weather conditions.
• Uneven walking surfaces, heavy machinery, forklift traffic and loud noise.
• Overnight travel will be required from time to time for various tasks estimated 7-14 days annually.

Second Nature Research, LLC does not tolerate discrimination of any type and offers equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, natural origin, age, disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or any other considerations made unlawful by Federal, State or local laws.  We believe in providing eligible and qualified employees with opportunities to advance. Barkley Seed Inc. is an at-will employer.