OBJECTIVE: To assist the ISA Research Center for Farming Innovation with cropping system research.  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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist Research Agronomists in execution of on-farm research.
• 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.
• Interact with farmers in a professional manner to execute experiments and data collection.
• Collect soil and plant samples from farm fields.
• Ability to take direction and work independently.
• Ability to enter and work with data collected using commonly used tools (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Participate in research discussions and planning meetings.
• Assist in other ISA Research program areas as needed.

COMPETENCIES

• Basic understanding and application of crop production
• Prioritizing and organizing work
• Demonstrates initiative and attention to detail
• Communicating effectively

TRAVEL

This position requires frequent travel. Travel will be within Iowa using company vehicles and will normally be completed within normal business hours.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Ability to work efficiently on individual and team projects
• Strong writing and oral communication skills
• High level familiarity with farming practices, agricultural conservation, and water quality
• Undergraduate degree (AA/S or BA/S), in progress or completed, with a focus in agriculture or environmental science

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in agronomy or environmental science and field data collection and analysis preferred or comparable experience within agriculture
• Experience conducting or assisting in research trials
• Understanding of production agriculture and agricultural conservation practices preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This job operates in a professional office and outdoor environments. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and software platforms such as Office 365. Field work is required and sampling equipment such as on-farm research and/or replicated strip trial layout and execution, water, soil and tissue sampling equipment, and GPS equipment are also used.  This role routinely involves working around heavy equipment and farming implements.  Proper use of safety equipment and safety procedures is required.

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.