Research Technician Farm Operations

Description

Vision Bioenergy Oilseeds (VBO) is a agricultural joint venture with the mission of developing, growing and marketing high quality oilseed oil for use in the production of biofuels to help create a cleaner, more sustainable future. We operate a research & development center and processing facility in Nampa, Idaho. 

The Research Technician will ensure the Research Station, functions efficiently by performing a variety of duties to maintain and operate the facilities, equipment and farmland. Supports the Station Manager and other scientists on station with scheduling and resourcing research activities and ensuring efficient, functional execution of research activities. Support off-station field plot location growing activities.  Primary crops under development include camelina and other oilseeds crops for the renewables energy markets and dietary supplement for livestock feeding markets.   

 The successful candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture preferred, or up to 5 years of related ag production or field research experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Idaho Private Applicator License (within 3 months of hire).
• Experience with agricultural practices including soil and irrigation management, fertility, weed control, and safe equipment operation. 
• Proficiency operating field equipment (e.g., tractors, planters, sprayers, harvesters) and ability to work with GPS/electronic controls.
• Basic equipment and facility maintenance skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and willingness to learn internal systems.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to work extended hours during the growing season (April–September), including rotating weekends; occasional evenings, weekends, overnight work, and travel.

We offer a competitive salary, $60K - $75K, based on an individual's experience and skill level, and an above average benefits package including medical, dental, vision, health and dependent flexible spending accounts, health-savings account, company-paid short-term and long-term disability, company-paid life insurance & accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), voluntary life insurance & accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), voluntary critical illness and voluntary accident insurance, employee assistance program, 401K/401K Roth with company match, and bonus opportunity program.

MORE DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct experiments, to completion, according to specific procedures, exercising independent judgment and discretion as appropriate.
• Maintain healthy plants, collect accurate and timely data.
• Maintain, organize and summarize results of experiments, noting problem areas, while recommending actions to be taken within standard procedures.
• Organize and supervise work of temporary employees and station regular employees ensuring work is performed in safe and efficient manner.
• Interact with state, local and federal authorities to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Manage field plot rotation, field plot health, and timely management for all plots.
• Assist in conducting experiments at other research sites, laboratory areas, or groups. 
• Maintain appropriate inventory of chemicals and/or supplies necessary for the completion of experiments at work location.
• Troubleshoot plant or mechanical issues that arise.
• Operation and care of field equipment.
• Operate and maintain irrigation equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Understand and follow all QMS/RMS/HSSE protocols, policies and procedures.
• Ensure that work is performed in a safe and efficient manner. 
• Report any accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous observations to your Supervisor immediately.
• Be proactive about facility care and cleanliness.

Requirements

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to follow research protocols, collect accurate data, maintain records, and use basic math and computer skills to support data entry and analysis.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and willing to take initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to plan field activities, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive approach to identifying issues, making timely decisions, troubleshooting processes, and adjusting procedures to maintain efficiency and research integrity. 
• High degree of comfort working in changing field conditions, shifting schedules, and seasonal demands.
• Ability to train and guide seasonal staff while maintaining positive, professional working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Communication & Professional Conduct: Clear communication with internal and external partners and consistent professional behavior when representing the organization.
• Safety Awareness: Commitment to safe work practices and compliance with agricultural, chemical handling, and equipment safety requirements.

EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:  

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture is preferred, but not required, and/or up to 5 years’ industry related experience in ag production or ag field research activities. 
• Required to hold and maintain a private applicators license from the state of Idaho. Must obtain within three (3) months of hire.
• In-depth understanding of agricultural cultural practices (e.g., ground preparation, soil and irrigation management, weed control, fertility management), and safe equipment operation.
• A good understanding of Microsoft programs such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint and ability to learn internal programs.
• Knowledge and experience of maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Previous experience operating various field equipment, including but not limited to tractors, harvesters, tillage, planters, spray equipment, soil and fertilizer applications. Computer proficiency for GPS tractor operation and other equipment requiring interaction with electronics.
• Knowledge of agricultural practices, safety procedures and greenhouse operations.
• Work schedule may require longer hours based on Ag season (April-September). Rotating weekends (partial day Saturday/Sunday).
• Some evenings, weekends, and overnight work (and travel) may be required.
• Possess a valid, unrestricted driver's license, and have and maintain a satisfactory driving record.

JOB FACTORS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to seasonal outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat and cold and wet or humid conditions, as well as Greenhouse conditions. 
• The role routinely uses greenhouse implements for plant care, planters, stationary harvesters, and threshers, incubators, growth chambers, flow hoods, overhead water systems, chemical sprayers, ATVs, climate-controlled seed room, seed counters, seed loaders, assist in NIR machine sample prep. 

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable   individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Extended periods of standing and walking, often across uneven terrain, fields, and research plots.
• Frequent bending, lifting, and carrying, including moving equipment, seed bags, irrigation supplies, or harvested samples (commonly 25–50 lbs; in some settings up to 75 lbs). 
• Operating farm machinery and equipment, such as tractors, ATVs, sprayers, and small engines, which may involve climbing on/off equipment and repetitive hand/foot controls.
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, dust, and high sun exposure.
• Manual dexterity for handling small tools, tagging plants, calibrating instruments, or managing irrigation components.
• Occasional prolonged driving (farm vehicles or field pickups) between research plots.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, masks/respirators, or chemical protection when applying fertilizers, pesticides, or working in treated areas.
• Occasional long or irregular hours, particularly during planting, irrigation adjustments, data collection periods, or harvest cycles.
• Vision requirements include:
  - Close vision for data recording and small tool use.
  - Distance vision to navigate fields and operate equipment safely.
  - Color vision for crop/plant health assessment.
  - Ability to adjust focus between near and far work environments.
• Hearing requirements include:
  - Ability to hear instructions, alarms, and equipment operation sounds in varied outdoor environments.
  - Ability to communicate effectively in person and via phone or radio.
• Speech and communication requirements include:
  - Clear, effective verbal communication to coordinate field staff, researchers, and vendors.
  - Ability to present information, relay instructions, and participate in team discussions.