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Wheat Testing Agronomist
Req #: 00K1D
Othello, Washington

Monsanto’s wheat breeding program develops high quality wheat varieties for all major market classes in the United States. This exceptional team utilizes state-of-the-art breeding methodologies and technologies to enhance performance, quality and disease resistance. We are currently seeking highly motivated Wheat Testing Agronomists who will be responsible for managing operations of a regional field testing program that supports Monsanto’s wheat breeding and variety development organization. Wheat Testing Agronomists will be located at various sites throughout the US including Washington, California, North Dakota and Central Plains.

Key Business Accountabilities:

• Manage daily site and facility operations to support regional small-plot field testing program within budget and according to best agronomic testing and research practices
• Recruit, train, and supervise a staff of temporary seasonal employees in the successful installation and completion of research activities and provide a safe working environment following Monsanto’s Environmental, Safety and Health (ESH) policies
• Explore, implement and monitor cost-effective contract testing opportunities in respective region to supplement internally managed trials
• Implement ESH procedures and programs for safe operation of the research program
• Acquire and maintain adequate facilities and equipment for effective and efficient program operation
• Work closely with wheat testing group and breeders to forecast capacity, stage equipment and implement annual testing program(s) for both winter and spring wheat in a high-efficiency, high-quality environment
• Responsible for all seasonal research activities including forecasting, location identification, field preparation, planting, in-season field maintenance and note-taking, harvest, quality analysis sampling and data acquisition
• Input all data records in enterprise IT tools and maintain high standards of data quality
• Responsible for providing up-to-date reports on agronomic conditions and crop progress throughout the growing season
• Assist other regional testing site locations or winter nursery location in completing seasonal activities during corresponding slow periods
• Select, prepare, maintain and manage 20-30 field sites to accommodate >30,000 yield and disease testing plots per year (both contract and internally managed)
• Safe driving with annual mileage of 15,000 – 25,000 thousand miles, including frequent trailer use (>10,000 lbs), pre-trip inspections and use of logbooks
• Plan, map, plant and maintain wheat trials, keeping them free from weeds, insects and disease. Identification of key weeds, insects and disease problems is critical, as is timely and accurate implementation of control measures
• Collect notes on various agronomic traits (e.g. emergence uniformity, flowering date, lodging, height, maturity, disease incidence and severity) in a timely manner throughout the growing season by using handheld electronic equipment and Monsanto proprietary software
• Harvest plots and collect samples for quality analysis, and ensure harvest data is submitted on a daily basis
• Develop, maintain and implement the use of controlled SOP documents, QMS procedures and investigative protocols
• Regular interaction with the other Testing Agronomists, Wheat Technology Center support teams, P and Breeders is expected in order to facilitate efficient trial planning and placement, sharing of ideas and techniques and quick response to issues that may arise (e.g. weather or pests affecting trials)
• Identify sites, install plots and assist wheat pathology program in conducting disease screening trials
• Represent Monsanto and the Wheat Breeding group by speaking at plot tours or other events where farmers, retailers or other industry stakeholders are present
• Operation and maintenance of field research equipment including GPS-equipped tractors, planters, sprayers, and combines with on-board electronic weight and sampling systems
• Training of summer and/or seasonal staff in the safe operation of such equipment

Core Business/Functional Skills and Education:

• BS in Agriculture or related field (MS preferred) with 5 years agricultural research experience
• Broad knowledge of crop production and farming practices, winter and spring wheat agronomy, plant breeding and precision agriculture applications
• Experience with safe operation and maintenance of agricultural research equipment
• Effective team leadership qualities including excellent organizational, time management and motivational skills, accurate record keeping and attention to detail
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of basic statistical analysis and experimental design principles
• Computer skills related to data acquisition and analysis, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, and precision agriculture technology
• Appropriate commercial drivers license for medium vehicle operation (>10,000 lbs GCWR)
• First Aid certification, pesticide application license and TDG certification where required
• Ability to work long hours and manage seasonal OT of full and part-time staff in accordance with applicable state regulations
• Some over-night travel required during field season. Some off-season travel required to assist other testing or winter nursery locations

To view the complete job description for this exciting position and/or apply online to this opportunity please visit our website at jobs.monsanto.com/othello

We offer very competitive salaries and an extensive benefits package.

Monsanto is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse combination of ideas, perspectives and cultures. EEO/AA EMPLOYER M/F/D/V