Agronomic Research Specialist II - Bayer Corporation

At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

Agronomic Research Specialist II  

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

An Agronomic Research Specialist is responsible for working with an internal team of Plant Breeding Breeders, Research Scientist, and Field Operations to design, execute and oversee the North America Plant Breeding’s Row Crop Research and Development efforts. Additionally, the role is responsible for continuous improvement and strategic initiative projects that transform the way row crop plant breeding research is conducted within the organization through the use of new equipment technologies, data analytics, and program management design.

The primary responsibilities of this role, Agronomic Research Specialist II, are to: 

• Responsible for Delivering the highest quality field data as part of North America’s Plant Breeding R&D pipeline by providing optimal trial management, at times working on an internal R&D effort that spans across crops, sites, and a region;
• Independently Responsible for the implementation of unique and innovative technology solutions designed to improve research design and operations success through the use of new tools and methodologies to improve overall plant breeding phenotyping such as the pilot and use of geospatial systems, agronomic planting and harvesting tools, harvesting shelling systems, and data capture applications;
• Collaborate with project team members to deliver detailed experimental protocols that enable advancement decisions by our scientists and placement decisions to our customers;
• Organize and execute day-to-day priorities of the site either alone or as the leader of a small team such as; pre-season logistical trial planning, safety and compliance adherence in accordance with local and federal guidelines, and in-season phenotyping activities performed by contractors. Ensure delivery of seasonal workload by prioritizing between competing workflows and thru the creation of contingency plans. Will work through delegation to others and leverage personal networks to complete project objectives;
• Ensures safe and efficient operations in alignment with Sustainability Safety Health & Environment (SSHE), Stewardship requirements, and Business Code of Conduct and Ethics Standards;
• Train team members and seasonal employees on standard operating procedures, site and operation safety guidelines, and tool operations;
• Supervise work of contractors that is performed on-site, or at field locations, coach our counsel as needed;
• Engage in community relation activities including but not limited to community volunteer efforts, sustainability activities, and serve as a technical representative to external parties in partnership with Commercial, Marketing, and other functions on agronomic topics such as product pipeline development, agronomy practices, and compliance standards;
• Travel up to 15% of the time particularly during peak seasons, which could be within a multi-state region;
• Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons (including non-traditional day-time hours with the potential of limited overnight travel);
• Position entails driving a company vehicle (pooled or assigned to the individual). This may include being required to drive greater than 5,000 business miles annually in a personal, pooled, or rented vehicle OR being expected to frequently drive a pooled car as part of your job duties – regardless of mileage;
• Position requires driving for the company that will (may) fall under DOT/FMCSA jurisdiction. This may entail the hauling of trailers, product, supplies or equipment in a safe manner.

WHO YOU ARE

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree;
• Broad knowledge and experience with agricultural equipment and row crop production practices and history of leveraging that knowledge in a research environment;
• Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative team-based environment;
• Capable of pulling, analyzing, and maintaining large data sets;
• Basic understanding and passion for emerging trends in agriculture;
• Experience with both standard MS Office computer and software systems used in scientific data analysis, with ability to quickly learn new software programs and tools;
• Valid driver’s license; Driving record (MVR) will be reviewed and must meet guidelines based on the company’s Risk Screening for Hiring Drivers;
• DOT medical card or the ability to obtain one through successfully completing and passing a DOT physical. In addition, candidate must be able to meet all applicable DOT/FMCSA criteria. Drivers with previous DOT driving experience may be required to undergo FMCSA safety checks and applicable review;
• Federal regulations from the Department of Transportation cover this position and mandate the passing of certain preemployment requirements, such as a background check, drug test and physical;
• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs.;
• Ability to obtain pesticide applicator license;
• Ability to obtain UAV license for operating drones;
• Ability to work extended hours during peak operational seasons.

Desired Qualifications:

• BS in Agronomy, Life Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with at least 2+ years proven experience through the combination of previous employment, co-op, or internship job experience or, Master’s Degree in relevant field with 1 year proven experience through the combination of previous employment, internship, or academic experience;
• Experience with seed technology industry or plant breeding;
• Experience with precision agriculture hardware and software;
• History of implementation of continuous improvements and new innovations through the work on project teams;
• Ability to oversee work and manage a team of direct or indirect reports.

Domestic Relocation may be provided for this role.

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