Field Technician

Florida Crystals Corporation is a fully integrated cane sugar company. Florida Crystals regeneratively farms sugarcane and rice in South Florida, where it owns two sugar mills, a sugar refinery, a packaging and distribution center, Florida's only rice mill, a compost facility, and one of the largest renewable power plants of its kind in the U.S., which uses sugarcane fiber to generate eco-friendly energy that powers its sugar operations. Florida Crystals owns one of the largest Regenerative Organic Certified® farms in the U.S. and its Florida Crystals® products are the only ROC™ sugar grown and milled sugar in the country. Florida Crystals owns ASR Group International, Inc., a holding company that conducts operations through its subsidiaries. The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. Florida Crystals is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. Learn more at www.FloridaCrystalsCorp.com .

Overview

Reporting to the Principal Research Scientist, the Field Technician will be responsible for supporting on-going agricultural research initiatives. This person will follow in detail the established procedures for soil, leaf, and cane sample collection, conduct field scouting, collect field data, apply different agricultural inputs, and support the supervisor or scientists on all project related activities. The Field Technician will work throughout FCC’s farm operations and will be supervised by an R&D scientist(s) responsible for the project/program and receive instructions/supervision from more than one scientist throughout the year.

This Role Involves The Following Responsibilities

• Collect soil samples, leaf samples, mark plots, harvest cane, conduct field scouting for diseases, pests, and weeds, and perform other activities as specified by scientists.
• Collect field data including counting stalks, weighing cane, measuring stalks, measuring skips, evaluating seed quality, assessing rodent damage, conducting owl census, evaluating trials of various pesticide products, and other necessary tasks.
• Maintain detailed and organized field data records. Enter data using iPhones or tablets.
• Apply agricultural inputs in adherence to safety guidelines.
• Operate small field equipment such as soil probes, compaction probes, scales, tape measures, refractometers, GPS devices, trail cameras, portable NIRs, etc.
• Operate spray equipment and perform spraying activities utilizing spray booms, backpack sprayers, and/or other manual ground sprayers.
• Operate pickup trucks, ATV vehicles, and small tractors (valid driver’s license required).
• Clean, maintain, and supervise the use of all field equipment, trucks, and tools as needed.
• Clear debris and ensure the cleanliness of the work site.
• Work in accordance with the company’s best management practices and adhere to all safety guidelines.
• Process sugarcane in R&D sample mill and conduct juice quality analysis using NIR. Utilize refractometers and polarimeters to perform sucrose analysis.
• Design and construct tools, in-house equipment, or any other necessary items as required.
• Assist with the setup and dismantling of temporary structures, scaffolding, and other worksite elements.
• Load and unload materials, tools, and equipment.
• Operate and maintain construction equipment and machinery.
• Comply with technical protocols and methodologies.
• Follow safety protocols and report any safety concerns. Inform associates and supervisors of any arising safety issues.
• Attend scheduled safety training and other mandatory meetings.
• Perform additional activities as required or related to the project(s).
• Collaborate with other scientists to expand knowledge regarding our operations.
  
  

Qualifications And Skills

• High school diploma preferred but not required
• Previous experience in a similar role is preferred.
• Physical stamina and strength to perform strenuous tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility to work in varying weather conditions and environments.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily outdoors and may involve exposure to different weather conditions.
• Requires the use of safety equipment.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and move heavy objects.
• Standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods.
• Use of hands and arms to operate tools and equipment.
  
  

Qualifications

• Pass Background check
• Pass physical and drug test
• Valid Driver’s license
  
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No
  
  

LOCATION OF ROLE

• Belle Glade, FL
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.