Testing Specialist at Corteva Agriscience

Job Details

We’re hiring for a Research Associate Phenotyping – Hoogekraal

Learn how you can be our voice in the conversation about the future of agriculture.

At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. 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. In this role, you will use your research/agricultural experience to serve as a team member in the Phenotyping team to conduct planning, planting, data collection and harvesting of Research phenotyping activities for Maize in the West of South Africa

You Will Be Part of Growing Team

• Research and Development

Your Challenge:

• Lead experiment setup and execution of research maize drought and yield trials, including prioritizing tasks, driving efficiency, and maintaining data quality.
• Research trial operations would include experiment management, seed setup, planting, plot maintenance, data collection, harvest, and data analysis.
• Ability to operate equipment for trial execution. This includes tractors, combines, planters, drones, sprayers, forklifts, tillage implements, seed processing and irrigation equipment.
• Good agronomy practices and the ability to distinguish different abiotic and biotic stresses in the field.
• Pesticide application and technical knowledge on pest identification and appropriate corrective action.
• Phenotyping and data collection, data and image analyses, and data quality assurance and integrity.
• Manage and execute selected safety programs, active contributions to site safety, and ensure others are working safely.
• Follow specific protocols to collect, analyze and distribute large volumes of data.
• Collaborate with experiment managers to summarize the results of experiments, communicate data quality concerns, and recommend actions.
• Effectively communicate with farmers, coworkers, key customers and management.
• The success of the research program may require weekend work and overtime during critical planting, harvest, spraying and irrigation periods.
• Manage and direct the work of temporary and seasonal employees.
• Contribute to maintaining a respectful work environment.
• Provide support for other research projects as assigned.
• Potential future opportunity to work with UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) data collection activities.

Key Stakeholders and Interactions:

• Serve as a team member in the Western Phenotyping team

Location:

• Potchefstroom – Hoogekraal Research Farm (Reporting station)

Note: The location where the work will be performed is in Northern Cape province, Marydale.

Qualifications

To Grow What Matters, You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or Diploma in scientific related field or 5 years industry related experience required
• Strong background in agronomy
• Proven ability to make timely decisions, solve problems and build consensus
• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills are required for fostering teamwork, enhancing a good working environment, and effectively developing strong working relationships with a diverse group of people
• Ability to supervise and prioritize multiple tasks is critical
• Extensive knowledge of drought stress management site
• Extensive knowledge of irrigation systems, probe management and weather station systems
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work well with diverse groups of people.
• Results Driven: Self-motivated and ability to initiate projects, improvements, decisions, and problem-solving. Detail-oriented, strong time management and organizational skills.
• Safety Oriented: Commitment to excellent safety and risk management practices
• Ability to work outside in all kinds of weather
• Valid driver’s license is required

Who Are We Looking For?

• Curious, bold thinkers who want to grow their careers and be part of a winning team
• Market shaping individuals who want to transform the agriculture industry to meet the world’s growing need for food
• Collaborators who thrive in a diverse, inclusive work environment
• Innovators who bring initiative and fresh ideas that drive our business into the future and make us an industry leader

Growing What Matters Starts With You… What We Can Offer To Help You Grow?

• Opportunity to be part of a global industry leader working to discover solutions to the most pressing agricultural challenges of our time
• Challenging work assignments that grow your skills, capabilities and experiences
• Opportunities for international rotations and relocation that will expand your global view and cultural experience
• Diverse, inclusive work environment where employees bring their whole selves to work and feel heard, valued and empowered
• Dedicated and customized resources to help grow your professional skills, industry expertise and personal perspectives. 
• Joining us is a natural opportunity to strengthen your professional network through valuable relationships.
• Support the health and well-being of every employee by offering world-class benefits, meaningful work and competitive salary
• Performance driven culture with a strong focus on speed, efficiency and agility