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.

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