POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN INTERNSHIP About the company: Research Designed for Agriculture (RD4AG) is a contract research organization (CRO) that provides independent agricultural research services to the agribusiness industry. We assist companies in the development, assessment, and regulatory aspects of exciting new technologies to further the success of agriculture in providing food and fiber. Products and systems such as fertilizers, organic and conventional pesticides, growth enhancers; conventional and biotech seed and plant varieties; irrigation, equipment, farming systems, etc. are tested in our fields under real world conditions. In business since 1983, RD4AG is one of the leading CRO's in agri-products testing in a broad range of crops.
About the job: The primary responsibility of this role is to assist the research team to manage and conduct contracted field research projects. Following clients' protocols the intern assists the agronomists/biologists to set up field trials and execute the variables, which may involve making pesticide or fertilizer applications, evaluating plant variables or pests, collecting samples, and organizing and reporting data. As a part of the field team the intern will participate in planting, growing and harvesting crops, assisting to configure and maintain research and farming equipment, and maintaining the research facility. Position will be based in Fairfield, Montana during the Summer months of May – August 2017 (approximately 12 weeks), but RD4AG can accommodate semester schedule dates. If you have a passion for agriculture and science this position is an excellent opportunity to acquire real-world-hands-on- experience in agricultural field research. Minimum Qualifications required: • Good written and spoken English fluency • Must be legal to work in the United States • Excellent attention to detail and strong communication and teamwork skills • A valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation • AA/AS in a field of agricultural science (agronomy, entomology, etc.) • Computer literacy • Physically able to lift and carry a 50 pound backpack and perform moderately strenuous field activities, including bending down, walking in uneven fields, using a sweep net, climbing up and down ditch banks, on and off equipment, etc. • May be required to work weekends and long days during peak research period. • Able to work outdoors, may be exposed to extremes in temperature, humidity, or wetness. • Willingness to work around a variety of chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides • Familiarity with agriculture and farming. Qualifications preferred: • Undergraduate student or BA/BS in agricultural related science or equivalent. • Experience in sprayer calibration and application techniques, general laboratory equipment operation, pest identification skills, and experience in the operation of farm equipment and irrigation systems. • Occasional travel to research sites across Montana will be required. Compensation: • On site housing is provided in Fairfield, MT. Valued at $2,400.00 • Salary range $2400 - $2600/mo commensurate on education and experience To Apply (or for questions regarding this position) submit cover letter of at least 150 words and resume to Dr. Roché E-mail: kroché@rd4ag.com
