Job Title: Assistant Plant Breeder (Popcorn)
Location: Brookston, IN
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Popcorn Breeding leadership team, you will support the development of new popcorn inbreds and hybrids through field, laboratory, and office-based research activities. You will help execute breeding program initiatives, collect and manage research data, maintain seed inventories, and support the successful operation of the popcorn breeding program.
A Taste of Your Responsibilities
- Support field research activities including field preparation, planting, irrigation, pest monitoring, data collection, harvesting, and seed quality evaluation.
- Perform nursery pollination activities and assist with breeding program operations.
- Harvest nursery plots and prepare samples from yield trials for evaluation.
- Operate laboratory and seed-processing equipment safely and efficiently.
- Shell, organize, label, and inventory nursery plot materials and seed stocks.
- Prepare, monitor, and evaluate popping samples generated through research trials.
- Plan and prepare materials for nurseries and yield trials.
- Record, organize, and summarize research data accurately.
- Maintain inventories of breeding program supplies and help forecast future needs.
- Document work processes and standard operating procedures.
- Support popcorn evaluation activities and data generation efforts.
- Use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to manage data and communicate results.
- Partner with team members to support breeding objectives and long-term program goals.
Ingredients Required for Your Success
- Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, or a related field, or completion of degree requirements in progress.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and focus on execution.
- Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills.
- Flexibility to work extended hours during peak planting, pollination, and harvest seasons.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Familiarity with field operations and plant phenotyping preferred.
- Experience with statistical analysis and data management software preferred.
Physical Requirements
More information on the essential tasks and facility will be shared during the hiring process. Please be aware that in a manufacturing environment, the noise levels can be high and the temperatures may vary. Depending on the role, physical and environmental requirements can differ but include:
- Being on your feet, walking around the facility, climbing stairs/ladders or kneeling for extended periods of time.
- Performing consistent repetitive tasks.
- Frequently lifting, pushing or carrying materials.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
Wealth: Great pay, 401(k)/pension eligibility, financial wellness programs and stock purchase plan
Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups and team collaboration
Balance: Paid-time off and volunteer opportunities
Our Company
At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, or a related field, or completion of degree requirements in progress
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and focus on execution
- Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
- Flexibility to work extended hours during peak planting, pollination, and harvest seasons
- Comfort working outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Familiarity with field operations and plant phenotyping
- Experience with statistical analysis and data management software
Conagra Brands Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Conagra Brands and has not been reviewed or approved by Conagra Brands.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs are described as a standout, with a 401(k) that includes a company match and an additional company contribution, plus pension eligibility for certain groups. Company materials and filings emphasize this as a core strength across many roles.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Incentive pay and bonus opportunities are presented as a meaningful part of total rewards. Summaries characterize annual incentives as consistent and an important contributor to overall compensation.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Health, dental, and vision coverage, an Employee Assistance Program, and wellness resources are highlighted alongside perks like discounts and legal benefits. Day‑one eligibility for many corporate and non‑union roles is called out, supporting easy access to these programs.
Conagra Brands Insights
What We Do
Conagra has the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. Our diverse team embraces debate to challenge marketplace/business conventions. We are respected for our great brands, great food, great margins and consistent results. We combine a rich heritage with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. Conagra’s portfolio of iconic and emerging food brands continues to evolve to offer contemporary choices for every occasion. We are a 100 year-old company with a startup attitude - an imperative to transform how we do business. What’s not changing? Our timeless values: integrity, external focus, broad-mindedness, agility, leadership by all, and a focus on results.
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