OBJECTIVE: To assist the ISA Research Center for Farming Innovation with water quality and crop production research, and outcome evaluation monitoring.  The employee will be expected to collect water quality, soil, and plant samples; conduct crop scouting and imagery analysis; process and organize data; and assist with data analysis. The research will be used to help ISA improve the productivity and sustainability of crop production in Iowa. This position reports to the Sr. Field Services Program Manager. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist ISA Research on water sample collection throughout the state. Includes taking samples at defined locations, and collection of samples that are dropped off at collection points.
• Conduct field verification and soil, water, and plant tissue sampling from farm fields
• Utilize system to collect field level data including but not limited to field notes, photo, sampling notes, monitoring results, etc.
• Work with water and soil scientists to conduct analysis of sampling results and provide basic data analytics.
• Assist Field Services Program Managers in execution of on-farm research.
• Conduct crop scouting and use aerial imagery for pest, disease, and different stresses.
• Maintain quality control requirements, data management, and reporting, in accordance with SOPs and QAPPs.
• Assist in other ISA Research program areas as needed.

COMPETENCIES

• Practical understanding and application of agronomy and conservation
• Prioritizing and organizing work
• Demonstrate initiative
• Customer service
• Data collection and management
• Oral and written communication

TRAVEL

• This position requires frequent travel throughout the state and occasionally may require an overnight stay.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• This position has no supervisory responsibility.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, ag economics, sociology, or related field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; drive long distances; walk in fields and uneven terrain; collect water samples from streams, tile outlets, and other water sources; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment will vary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and software platforms such as Office 365. Occasional field work is required and sampling equipment such as water sampling equipment, handheld garden shears, soil probes, and GPS equipment are also used.

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account available
• Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dress for your Day Dress Code