The Research and Development (R&D) Technician plays an important role in the application, evaluation and development of cutting-edge technologies in our agriculture and specialty markets. Helena is also developing and implementing the use of precision ag tools, such as drones and imagery, for research and development purposes.
This is not a lab based position. The ideal candidate will have hands-on field experience coupled with an agricultural education to support their practical knowledge. This role is well-suited for a skilled field worker with equipment experience who aspires to transition into a scientific role .
You will work in an assigned territory with a variety of crops making applications of crop protection (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, nematicides) and crop production (fertilizers, bioscience, biologicals) products. This includes working with various seeds and crops for new trait development, tolerance to pesticides for nutrient use, efficiency and drought stress tolerance. In this role, you will regularly interface with cross-functional Helena teams in our Western Business Unit, as well as major ag industry manufacturers in crop production and crop protection industries.
*This position does not offer sponsorhip for work visa.
What your day may look like - Sets up studies at Helena owned facilities and/or grower's fields.
- Makes applications of crop protection products, crop production products and various seeds and crops at locations throughout assigned territory.
- Evaluates products for their efficacy and performance, crop safety, yield and quality.
- Performs study maintenance for cleanliness and preparation for field day activities.
- Maintains and cleans Helena's R&D facilities to help with efficiency and output of operations.
- Collects, enters and evaluates data from tests in specialized software designed for research and development.
- Calibrates scientific and commercial equipment for precision application.
- Performs equipment maintenance such as making simple repairs to small engines and spray equipment.
- Operates light, medium and heavy equipment for various agricultural operations.
- Prepares reports and materials for field days and other demonstrations.
- Other work-related duties as assigned by leader.
- Reliable and regular attendance is expected.
Education and experience needed for this position - Associate's degree in an agricultural related field is required.
- Bachelor's degree is preferred.
- One year of related work experience is required.
- Must pass a drug test and background check.
- A valid U.S. driver's license is required to operate company vehicles.
Other skills that will help you succeed - Mechanical skills including the ability to make simple repairs to small engines and other spray equipment.
- Detail oriented.
- Computer skills.
Pay rate is $18.50-25/hour
Your work environment and the physical aspects of the job At Helena, safety is our highest priority. We seek out extensive safety measures and put them in place to minimize exposure to anything that could be potentially harmful to our employees.
The work environment for this position is that of a typical outdoor setting in all types of weather conditions with exposure to outdoor elements. When working outdoors and possibly around moving equipment/mechanical parts, the employee may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemical and biological hazards, vibrations and a risk of electrical shock. This position requires you to use your hands for many different tasks and to talk, hear, walk, stand, and sit. You may be occasionally required to lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Who we are Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC is one of the nation's foremost agronomy solutions providers. We rank near the top nationally in volume and sales for crop production products, fertilizer, custom application, seed and precision agriculture, turf management, industrial weed control, forestry, aquatics and more. As a solutions provider, we help our customers make critical decisions about soil variability, nutrient and water availability, seed selection and pest management. We take pride in working with our growers beyond the sale, helping them in every aspect of their business.
Helena operates under several main business groups -- Helena Products Group, AGRIntelligence, Helena Industries, LLC and Diversified Applications, Inc.
Helena is a special place to be At Helena, we are family. Our employees take care of each other and support each other at work and in their personal life. Our family-like atmosphere creates a positive work environment that allows our employees to be high-performers because they feel comfort and compassion from their leader and team. Our family-like culture is centered on our successful business model -"People...Products...Knowledge." "People" being the first for good reason. When our employees are treated right and feel cared for, our customers thrive and our business grows.
Helena's commitment to diversity and inclusion At Helena, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where all our employees feel safe, valued and have the opportunity to succeed. We embrace different backgrounds and human experiences because our customers are also diverse. When we all show deep appreciation for each other and our customers it builds trust that strengthens Helena and keeps us competitive.
Helena supports individuals with disabilities and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform job responsibilities.
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Helena is an equal opportunity employer.
