Description

Corteva Agriscience is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join our multi-crop research center in Garden City, KS. The Senior Research Associate will serve as a part of a multi-crop team supporting local corn breeding programs and regional yield testing of wheat and sorghum.  The ideal candidate has strong agronomic skills, knowledge of irrigation systems operation, an interest in drought management and experience with the operation of agricultural equipment.  The Senior Research Associate will perform phenotyping and characterization by following established protocols to ensure high quality data is collected on all crops. The ideal candidate will have an enthusiasm for collaborating in a team environment where evolving technologies in agriculture are driving product development.

Responsibilities: How will you help us grow? It matters to us, and it matters to you!

• Coordinate field activities such as planting, harvest, and data collection with other members of the research center staff and communicate these actives with cooperators.  
• Communicate research station workload with direct and indirect reports as well as seasonal contract labor.
• Create and execute an agronomy plan that includes fertilizer recommendations, field scouting for weeds and and insects, and pesticide applications for corn, wheat, and sorghum 
• Collect phenotypic data for all crops and assess data quality for manual and UAS collected traits throughout the growing season.
• Participate in experiment planning, location mapping, and seed filling activities to prepare for planting.
• Collaborate with local and regional employees to fulfill phenotyping and field activities for corn, wheat and sorghum.
• Operate planting, harvest, and spray equipment as well as implements for field preparation by utilizing GPS software.
• Drive agronomic plot quality by scouting, recommending and applying pesticides at the correct growth stage. 
• Operate and maintenance sub-surface drip and center pivot irrigation systems used to facilitate drought characterization of corn hybrids.
• Support drought characterization of corn hybrids by completing field visits in conjunction with using crop modeling software and ET sensors to determine irrigation replacement on a weekly basis during required growth stages.  
• Supervise contract labor and interns to complete center research activities according to protocols while ensuring a safe working environment.

Qualifications

Qualifications: What expertise have you grown? What do you bring to the table?

• Master’s degree in agriculture or related scientific field with 2-4 years related experience.
• Knowledge of agronomy, crop production, plant development, and experimental field plot design.
• Strong attention to detail in a deadline driven environment.  
• Ability to operate agricultural equipment while observing all safety requirements.  
• Demonstrate skills in leadership, operational safety, supervision, and time management.
• Ability to develop a working relationship with team members by exhibiting excellent communication and personal interaction skills with a diverse group of people.  
• Must be capable of working in varying ergonomic and environmental conditions for extended periods of time.
• Flexibility to work extended days at critical times of the season.  Some overnight stays during planting and harvesting required.  
• A valid driver’s license is required, and a CMV license is preferred for trailer towing.  
• Ability to obtain a pesticide private applicators license in Kansas.

Benefits: Let's peek at how you can grow your wellbeing, health, and future at Corteva!  

• Strike a better work-life balance with robust time off benefits including paid maternity, paternal and family illness leave
• Prepare for your future with our competitive retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement program, and more
• Enjoy access to health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment 
• And much, much more! 

Ready to grow your perspectives, impact and career? We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. Start by applying to this opportunity today!