Agronomy Operations Research Specialist

The Answer Plot Research Specialist role works in the operating arm of the Winfield United research program.  In this role you will perform all aspects of operational functions including but not limited to:  farm equipment preparation & operation, seed prep, equipment transport, field operations (planting-harvest), drone flights and GIS applications.  The Research Specialist will report to the Research Manager for the Bismarck, ND area and will assist in planning and executing the research objectives for this region.  There are approximately 9 research plots in this territory.

This is a remote/virtual role and must be located in the Bismarck, ND area

Primary Responsibilities:

• Research plot maintenance and preparation- Preparing sites to include planting, maintaining, spraying and harvesting the research plots. Prepare for training sessions or grower field days.  Grooming plots and planning protocol execution to coincide with these events is paramount.

• Crop scouting/advising - Walk research plots to evaluate weed control, insect infestations and disease outbreaks, consulting with Agronomists or Technical Seed Managers on solutions, and planning operations to resolve issues with crop production. 

• Help train and guide summer interns to complete operational goals.  The Research Specialist develops workflows, task lists and trains summer interns on skills necessary to complete the work in a timely manner with exceptional quality.

• Planning Activities – Assist research manager with planning and organizing the following:  sourcing research sites, developing contracts, site layout, entry lists, database setup, equipment prep, fertilizer and crop protection planning, operational plans, and data flow planning.

• Work with Land O’Lakes safety team to ensure DOT and Safety compliance. This includes tracking fuel receipts, RAIR compliance; ensuring proper logbook procedures are followed.

Experience and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly desired; experience in lieu of degree may be considered

• Up to 2 years of small plot or Ag retail experience or previous summer intern experience

• Must have or be willing to obtain a Class A CDL and Pesticide Applicators License within first 60 days of employment

• Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft suite of products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

• Must have a valid driver’s license acceptable to company policy in order to operate company vehicle

• Previous experience operating farm or research equipment strongly desired

• Role will require daily travel to research plots and occasional overnight travel, as well as extended hours, up to 60 hours from planting through harvest  (including weekends as needed)

Competencies & Other Skills

• 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.

• Integrity – Demonstrates honesty, is widely trusted, keeps commitments, treats people with dignity and respect.

• Critical Thinking Skills – Gathers and integrates critical information to arrive at effective solutions.  Breaks down problems into simple tasks or activities. 

• Customer Focus – Responds appropriately and takes personal responsibility for meeting customers’ expectations.  Maintains effective communications with customers. 

• Other skills: Must have ability to lift 50 lbs, able to climb on and off of farm/research equipment and be able to walk and work in field plots. In addition, should be able to communicate with all levels (verbal and written), as well as concentration, memory and decision making all part of normal job expectations.

• Environment: Farm/research equipment can be loud, fields are dusty and dirty, and weather conditions can vary from hot and humid to cold and wet.

Salary range: $61,360-$92,040. In most cases candidates expect to be at or near the middle of our ranges

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested. 

Land O'Lakes does not use Automated Decision-Making Technology, as defined by California law, to substantially replace human decision-making or make significant decisions about applications for employment or contracting opportunities.