Agricultural Field Technician

Amalgamated Sugar Company is looking for a Agriculture Field Technician working under the direction of our Chief Scientist – Senior Plant Pathologist, this role is focused on managing the day-to-day operations of the Amalgamated Sugar Company’s insectary and greenhouse (estimated 20-30 hrs./week), as well as supporting scientifically rigorous research trials in the field (estimated 10-20 hrs./week). You will be a part of a team dedicated to contributing new knowledge to sugarbeet growers in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to enable them to improve their sugarbeet productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The role is ideally suited to someone who has an eye for detail, enjoys working in a greenhouse setting with insects, and has an inquisitive mind. Research conducted includes agronomy and farming system research trials, as well as the evaluation of new pesticides for the control of diseases, insects, and weeds. Based in Nyssa, OR, this position is with Amalgamated Sugar Company’s Sugarbeet Research (SBR) Team.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Insectary and Greenhouse Management

• Manage day-to-day insectary and greenhouse operations with minimal supervision, prioritizing tasks to meet timelines.
• Propagate, grow, and maintain sugarbeet plants to support insect colonies and experiments (e.g., seeding, transplanting, watering, fertilization, and sanitation).
• Rear beet leafhoppers and maintain healthy colonies; produce and deliver adequate numbers of viruliferous leafhoppers for field trials according to established protocols.
• Scout plants routinely for insects, mites, and diseases; implement integrated pest management (IPM) and apply pesticides as needed in accordance with label directions and all applicable state/federal requirements.
• Maintain greenhouse and insectary infrastructure, including environmental controls, irrigation systems, lighting, benches, and insect containment features; perform and coordinate repairs and preventive maintenance as needed.
• Monitor and document key environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, and photoperiod) and adjust settings to maintain consistent plant and insect performance.
• Maintain cleanliness to prevent spread of pests or pathogens between experiments and growing areas.
• Maintain accurate records for pesticide applications, and trial support activities.
• Track and maintain inventory of plants, insects, growing supplies, and chemicals; coordinate ordering and proper storage/disposal in compliance with regulations.
• Promote safe work practices in the greenhouse and insectary, including proper PPE use, chemical handling, and hazard reporting; recommend and implement improvements to safety procedures.

Field and Technical Support

• Support the Chief Scientist – Senior Plant Pathologist and Research Agronomist in planning, organizing, and executing field and glasshouse research trials.
• Assist with establishing experiments, including trial design support, plot layout and marking, planting/seeding, and accurate application of experimental treatments.
• Perform routine cultural practices and plot maintenance (e.g., cultivation, thinning, fertilization support, replanting, and border management) to maintain trial integrity.
• Manage day-to-day trial operations, including irrigation scheduling, crop scouting, and weed/insect/disease control; calibrate and operate application equipment and ensure treatments are applied safely and according to protocol and label requirements.
• Collect research measurements and samples as assigned; follow protocols for sampling, labeling, handling, and storage to protect data quality and traceability.
• Assist with harvest operations, including plot harvesting and collection of yield and quality data.
• Enter, organize, and format trial data using Microsoft Excel; perform basic data checks to identify missing values, outliers, or inconsistencies.
• Maintain accurate, timely records of trial activities (e.g., field operations, treatment applications, scouting observations, deviations, and equipment logs) in accordance with research documentation standards.
• Assist with transporting research and farm equipment by road, including safe loading/unloading, securing loads, and trailering as needed.
• Operate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on research equipment and small plot implements (e.g., planters, sprayers, pumps, and sensors) and report repair needs promptly.
• Communicate progress and field observations (e.g., pest pressure, disease symptoms, stand issues, irrigation problems) and escalate urgent issues to project leads in a timely manner.
• Coordinate day-to-day logistics for trial work, including staging supplies, preparing labels and datasheets, and assisting with training/oversight of seasonal staff when assigned.
• Ensure field and glasshouse work is conducted safely (PPE, chemical safety, equipment operation, and heat/cold stress awareness) and contribute to continuous improvement of safe work practices.

Secondary RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Support

• Assist with preparation of reports/information for publication and/or presentation to industry.
• Assist with the design and development of innovative extension materials.
• Assist with the preparation of the Sugarbeet Research Magazine.
• Supervision of seasonal field staff as required

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Interest in greenhouse work and entomology; comfort working around insects is essential.
• Plant production and care skills (seeding, transplanting, watering, fertilization), insect rearing/handling, pesticide use, and operation of basic farm/greenhouse implements.
• Valid driver’s license in Idaho or Oregon (or ability to obtain).
• Current Idaho and Oregon pesticide applicator license(s), or willingness/ability to obtain both within 6 months of employment.
• Idaho or Oregon Commercial Class A driver’s license (CDL), or willingness/ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow research protocols, treatment plans, and data-collection methods consistently.
• Comfortable with accurate recordkeeping and documentation (e.g., pesticide application records, environmental logs, and trial notes).
• Basic math and measurement skills for mixing, calibrating, and applying treatments and for collecting field/greenhouse data.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining common greenhouse.
• Ability to follow sanitation, containment, and biosecurity procedures to protect insect colonies and prevent cross-contamination between trials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; willingness to learn Adobe InDesign.
• Highly organized with the ability to plan work, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to workplace safety, including proper PPE, chemical safety, equipment safety, and proactive hazard identification and reporting.
• Comfort performing hands-on work in greenhouse and outdoor conditions, including heat, cold, dust, and moisture.
• Ability to travel for work, including occasional overnight stays.
• Ability to work under time-sensitive conditions while maintaining a professional, steady approach.
• High personal integrity, reliability, and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset; communicates effectively and builds positive working relationships internally and externally.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in agronomy, soil, or plant science is required.
• Experience with greenhouse operations is required and with farm equipment is desirable.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a ID/OR pesticide applicator license is required, and to obtain and maintain an Idaho or Oregon State Commercial Class A driver’s license (CDL) is desirable.
• Knowledge of trial management or replicated small plot research is desirable
• Preferred 2-4 years of work-related experience in the field;
• OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.