Research Associate Agronomy


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Job Title: Research Associate Agronomy
Location: Waimea, HI, West United States, USA

Company: Corteva
Industry Sector: Agribusiness
Industry Type: Crop Production
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: Competitive
Job Description: DescriptionWho are we, and what do we do? At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what's next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture - leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.

Corteva Agriscience has an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate. This role will be on-site at our Research Center in Waimea, Hawaii.

The Research Associate will oversee the integrated pest management (IPM) activities. The candidate will need to be knowable with spray and farm equipment operation and maintenance. This role requires strong understanding of laws and regulations regarding pesticide applications. Experience in pest identification and scouting and IPM best practices will be critical. Tropical agriculture experience would be a desirable. Developing protocols for activities related to IPM will be part of this role. Summarize IPM data so that it is available when needed. The Research Associate will need to ensure that employees have the correct training to perform the job correctly and safely. Occasionally the RA will need to do phytosanitary inspections and support other actives at the Hawaii research Site. The Research Associate will be responsible for planning and organizing multiple spray applications throughout the three growing seasons.

Perform activities related to the Integrated Pest Management program: Scouting, maintain chemical application records in compliance with EPA requirements, coordinate chemical applications and follow up on effectiveness based on scouting data and field inspections, evaluate new materials, equipment and methods to control pests. Supervise and ensure training of any new hires. Communicate with supervisors and project leaders on spraying activities.

Maintain all equipment in proper and safe working condition and train employees in the safe operation of the equipment. Train employees in the proper use of PPE.

What You'll Do:

* Maintain all pesticides and related data generated for spray applications and will coordinate with peers at the center to ensure appropriate execution of pest control utilizing sustainable methods.

* Lead a team of employees dedicated IPM best practices at the field sites.

* Train and supervise pesticides handlers and will keep inventory of relevant equipment.

* Perform and lead scouting activities and reporting data.

* Monitor weather conditions and will make changes as appropriate to comply with best practices and requirements.

* Collaborate with agronomy team as well as with the project teams.

* Support in the development and deployment of new technology to improve IPM practices.

* Evaluate safety risks related to specialized equipment or activities.

* Create or revise protocols to accurately reflect how perform tasks.

* Participate in coordination meetings with projects and agronomy teams.

* Participate and contribute positively to our local community.

* Lead and/or supervise spraying crew.

* Perform WPS postings (and inspections) at central notification area and field level.

* Ensure proper chemical applications and proactively check for potential risk to crops prior to spray execution.

* Ensure pesticides are applied in accordance with label requirements.

* Ensure compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements.

* When needed; perform backpack and bag spray applications.

* Supervise hand weeding, weed whacker activities and mechanical weeding activities.

* Ensure PPE is utilized in compliance with label requirements.

* Participate in educational training on Integrated Pest Management and Worker Protection Standard.

* Adhere to all location and company policies and procedures.

* Promote a positive work attitude and cultivate harmonious relations.

* Provide support for all other projects at the location as needed.

* Participate in improvement programs (safety, efficiency, effectiveness) specific to lab, field, or greenhouse environments to identify and communicate potential risks and benefits.

* Participate in safety programs and committees as assigned.

* Be the backup manager for other IPM areas or other Agronomy areas assigned.

* Follow all safety protocols at all times.

* Ensure employees are trained and adhere to Corteva safety programs and core values to maintain a good working environment.

* Other duties as assigned.

QualificationsWhat Skills You Need:

* Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field and a minimum of 2 to 4 years of seed industry or related experience in tropical agriculture or equivalent amount of relevant education and experience.

* Ability to obtain certification for the use of full masks or respiratory protection equipment.

* Proficient in the use of computers including Windows and Microsoft Office products.

* Basic mathematics through elementary geometry, ability to objectively analyze and solve problems, logical reasoning skills.

* Excellent oral and written communication skills.

* Ability to lead and manage crews including seasonal temporary labor.

* Ability to read/interpret instructions and carry out tasks in absence of supervision.

* Work well under pressure to meet deadlines.

* Tolerance and ability to work in an outdoor tropical agriculture setting.

* Often required to stand and walk and work on feet for prolonged periods.

* Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

* Ability to read plot/plant identification tags and understand Range/Row system.

* Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

* Ability to communicate in English and work with others in a team setting of diverse cultural backgrounds and languages.

* Ability to occasionally lift 20 to 40 lbs.

* Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle required.

* Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.

* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

* Work well under pressure to meet deadlines. Excellent communication (written and oral) and prioritization skills.

* Valid Hawaii private pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain one in three months.

* Work/Visa Sponsorship not offered for this role.

#LI-BB1 Benefits - How We'll Support You: * Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills * Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place * Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment * Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays * Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father * Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program * Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits * Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

To apply please click on APPLY TO THIS POSITION

Job Post Date: 07/25/24
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