Do you have an interest in agriculture? Looking for a great place to work with exceptional benefits? KWS Seeds, LLC is looking for a full-time Agricultural Research Technician to join our team at our Moorhead, MN Location. The Research Technician executes work plans for all aspects of trial activities including planting, pest control, ratings, and harvest. Using experience and knowledge to execute our quality standards and trial protocols which may include regulated material.  

Essential job functions:

• Operate planting and harvest equipment including proprietary technology and equipment, which may include commercial vehicles and forklifts.
• Assist with equipment and vehicle maintenance.
• Operate the required proprietary software for data collection.
• Train, and provide work direction to seasonal workers or full-time employees and coordinate the schedules as needed.
• Ensure completion of detailed records of activities, which may include regulatory records utilizing correct reporting methods.
• Assist with the creation or execution of work plans for plant material to ensure setup and planting arrangement is done accurately.
• Ensures work plans are executed according to due dates and deadlines to ensure successful completion of trials.
• May mix chemicals for pesticide applications. Organize, direct and apply pesticides to field sites as needed. 
• May utilize spreadsheets to analyze work plans and make recommendations.
• Maintain ability to drive company vehicles.
• Ensure Company handbook, Rules, Guidelines and Procedures and safety policies are followed and personal protective equipment is used correctly.
• Travel and/or drive on behalf of the business.
•  Meet attendance requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications:

• One or more years of experience in agriculture, greenhouse or plot research or equivalent. 
• Ability to work variable hours as needed.
• Valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving history.
• Valid CDL license or ability to obtain CDL within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work independently and within a team with flexibility.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude. 
• Strong computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred qualifications:

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Two or more years of experience in specific tasks being conducted by the stations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with the various groups and prioritize tasks for the best efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and complete projects working directly with project leads or managers.
• Ability to work independently and within a team with flexibility.
• Have or be able to obtain Pesticide Applicator License within 6 months of hire.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone) experience.
• Experience working with regulated plant material.
• Experience working with agricultural pesticide applications

What we offer:

• Competitive salary (RA salary range: $21.00 -  $26.00/hr based on qualifications)
• 401(k) employer match; health, dental, vision benefits
• Pension plan 
• Flexible paid-time-off (PTO)
• Professional training and development opportunities
• An international and diverse team

Working environment:
Perform outdoor and indoor work in variable conditions including heat, cold, dust wind and rain. Field environments with exposure to pollen and handling chemicals. Occasional overnight travel as needed, some out of state. Must wear required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as needed.

Physical demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.