Field Research Project Manager - Christensen Farms

Position Overview & Responsibilities: The Field Research Project Manager has responsibility for the implementation of field research protocols and management of Christensen Farms' research equipment. Research and development is integral to Christensen Farms' continuous strive for excellence.

This position will have a broad research focus that may include health, nutrition, genetics, management, and marketing in both nursery grow finish and sow production. Communication, attention to detail, and a self-disciplined approach to achieving results are a necessity for successful job performance to sustain high quality research data. The field research technician is expected to represent Christensen Farms at a highly professional level when interacting with all employees and site visitors. At times, the work will require technical problem solving.

Key areas of Responsibility:

• Management of field research trials and associated scheduling
• Lead setup of trials that would include, but to be limited to: collecting, cleaning, and setting up required equipment and supplies as well as procuring necessary labor support
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and technology issues as they arise
• Own data collection and training of barn staff on data collection as needed
• Validate data accuracy on a regular basis
• At the end of each trial, provide a complete and accurate data sheet to research manager and statistician to complete statistics and summary
• Work closely with veterinarians as it relates to health research and diagnostic collections
• Training of support staff for each of the specific trials, this may include but not limited to: blood collection of pigs of all ages, applying treatments through either oral syringe, injection or other, weighing of pigs and ear tagging pigs.
• Participate in data sharing in routine meetings of applying research results
• Participate in monthly research meetings while owning and providing updates to current and future trials to the research team
• Participate and support other needs of the department, which may include, but is not limited to: additional data analysis, research tasks, daily pig care, or feed analysis

Education, Training, and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree preferred but not required
• Previous swine or livestock production experience preferred.
• Prior research experience preferred
• Specialized Training requirements: Computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Powerpoint
• Basic understanding of statistical methods and models

Competencies and Personal Requirements:

• Process Oriented - Requires the ability to recognize process improvement opportunities collaborate to define and implement process enhancements to achieve consistent, standardized results
• Follow Through - Must possess the drive and ability to see work through to the point of completion without prompting
• Analytical ability - Requires the ability to gather and summarize data/ information for reports, present findings and suggest mode of action.
• Problem Solving - Must be able to gather and analyze information skillfully and identify and resolve problems/ improve process in a timely manner
• Planning/Organizing - Must be able to manage and prioritize multiple competing tasks and demands, and plan work activities to ensure most efficient use of time.
• Oral Communication - Must speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations and demonstrate group presentation skills. Must be able to interact and communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization to yield desired outcome.
• Written Communication- Must deliver quality work free of spelling and grammatical errors, present numerical data effectively and read and interpret written information.
• Quality Control - Must demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness and monitor own work to ensure quality
• Flexibility- Must excel in a fast paced, dynamic environment, perform well under pressure and respond to change without significant stress.
• Confidentiality- Requires demonstrated tact and diplomacy in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Self-Awareness- Recognize boundaries of decision making as well as recognizing perspective and knowledge base
• Appearance - Must Maintain a profession, well groomed appearance

Supervision of Others:

• None

Reports to:

• Research Manager

Christensen Farms is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to select the most qualified person for each position in the organization. No employee of CF will discriminate against any applicant for employment or a fellow employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, citizenship status, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other prohibited basis under applicable local, state, or federal law.