Corn Breeding Associate

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• The Corn Breeding Associate will work closely with Beck’s Corn Breeders, Breeding Operations Manager, and other Research Department staff in the development of top-performing dent corn hybrids. Under the direction of the Corn Breeder and/or Breeding Operations Manager and within a highly team-oriented environment, the person will implement a modern corn breeding program. As a member of the Beck’s Family of employees, all full-time employees are eligible for a generous benefits package:
• Health benefits including two medical plan options and company HSA contributions, dental, vision, employer paid life/AD&D for you and your dependents, disability insurance, and access to an onsite Nurse Practitioner
• 401k plan match & company sponsored pension plan and access to a Financial Advisor to help you manage your retirement savings
• Paid time off, Paid Holidays, Wellness Programs, & Corporate Discounts
• Company Christmas Party, Free Lunch, Two-Hundred Dollar Merchandise Allowance, & Much More

Responsibilities

• Interact cooperatively with all corn breeders and research staff to implement an efficient and successful corn breeding program.
• Participate in summer and winter breeding nurseries. Duties will include overseeing nursery shelling, packaging, planting, tissue sampling, pollinating, harvest and other activities deemed necessary to implement a breeding program.
• Manage nursery pollinating crews, which includes working with Human Resources and labor providers to secure necessary labor.
• Collect, summarize and report data in support of the breeding program.
• Implement and manage seed inventory system.
• Interact cooperatively with personnel from external firms in which Beck’s has a relationship as well as other departments within the organization.
• Perform other related duties as may be required by Corn Breeders, Breeding Operations Manager, and research team.

Job Requirements

• Education and training:
• B.S in agricultural discipline plus 2 years of appropriate experience in a plant breeding program.
• Currently have or have ability to obtain chauffer’s license.
• Currently have or have ability to obtain pesticide applicator license
• Ability to operate a fork truck and pass Beck’s Powered Industrial Forktruck Safety and Operator Training program.
• Ability to lead small groups of people in the performance of tasks.
• Pay attention to detail and manage work to high quality standards.
• Possess positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, work as a team member, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy.
• Technical knowledge:
• Familiarity with breeding techniques is highly desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent computer and current software skills. Experience with PRISM is highly desirable, but not required.

3. Physical demands:

• Ability to safely lift up to 70 pounds.
• Exposure to inclement outdoor weather conditions which may include heat, cold, rain and sun.
• Ability to stand and sit for several hours at a time.
• Ability to pass DOT physical examination and obtain Medical Examiner’s Certificate may be required.
• Experience:
• 2+ years of appropriate experience in a plant breeding program is preferred.

5. Travel and hours of work:

• Occasional overnight travel may be required for note taking and travel to winter nursery locations.
• Ability to work extended hours during planting, pollination and harvest seasons.

** In an effort to provide a safer, drug-free workplace for employees, all full-time applicants to whom offers of employment are made must submit to a drug test and background check, subject to applicable local, state, or federal laws or regulations. Employment at Beck's is contingent upon passing these pre-employment screenings.