Title: Corn Technician - Seeds & Traits R&D
Location: Ontario-St Marys
Dow AgroSciences LLC is an organization committed to enhancing the quality of life by developing innovative technology for responsible pest control, efficient production of an abundant, nutritious food supply and the use of renewable agriculture resources for improved commercial, industrial and personal care applications.
Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. is a research based, agricultural sciences company with a diverse product portfolio including weed, insect and disease management for agricultural/horticultural crops and products for forestry and industrial vegetation management. The company has also made significant investments in developing a plant genetics and biotechnology platform in canola and corn. This investment is focused on a range of research for the development of input production traits and value-added quality traits. Dow AgroSciences has established field research capabilities across western and eastern Canada including a plant breeding and cell biology group based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
The Corn Technician will assist in day to day operations of the Canada corn breeding program. This position will provide technical assistance to the Corn Breeding Scientists, Field Biologists, and Field Station Operations Leader for the development of new corn inbreds and hybrids that contribute to the commercial success of the company. Work activities will include assisting with equipment maintenance, the management of nursery sites, identifying and managing testing sites, conducting and supervising temporary employees in seed packaging, planting, plot maintenance, pollination and harvest. The Research Technician will work with Corn Breeding Scientists, Field Biologists, and Field Station Operations Leader at the location in a team orientated environment. Additionally this position will support the Field Station Operations Leader with site specific projects to ensure local goals and objectives are met.
Job responsibilities:
* Operate and maintain field equipment.
* Assist with the identification and management of testing sites.
* Assist in seed processing, planting, plot maintenance, pollinating and harvesting nursery material.
* Assist in seed processing, planting and harvesting of yield trial testing locations.
* Assist in supervising temporary personnel for pollinating, harvest, and seed handling.
* Be an active member of a high performing, multi-crop team at the station.
* Actively participate in department meetings to plan, evaluate and execute projects.
* Ensure compliance with all corporate and government mandates related to conducting regulated field trials.
* Be involved with safety program functions.
* Travel to outlying sites and winter nursery facilities as needed
* Ability to travel outside Canada as needed.
This position is located in St. Marys, Ontario Canada.
* Diploma/Associates degree in agriculture or related field, or Bachelors degree in non-agricultural field.
* Knowledge and training in agronomic practices for the local area including safe application of farm chemicals.
* Demonstrated personal leadership, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills are essential.
* Ability to take initiative and work effectively on teams is critical.
* Strong mechanical, technical, diagnostic and electronic skills are desired.
* Enthusiasm and aptitude for learning & continuous improvement of critical research activities is desired.
* Familiarity with basic farm equipment operation and maintenance is desired.
* To have or the ability to obtain a commercial driver's license and commercial pesticide license is required.
* Good computer skills and capabilities; competent in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is required.
* The candidate must have the ability and desire to work outdoors and work longer hours during the field planting, pollination, and harvest season.
