Breeding Assistant

Do you have a passion for agriculture and like working outdoors? KWS - one of the world's leading plant breeding companies - is looking for a Breeding Assistant located in Champaign, IL. This position actively assists and works independently to organize the daily wheat breeding operations. You will also be responsible for accurately and efficiently providing competent support for yield trial, maintenance and early generation wheat breeding activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Support the Wheat Breeder, Assistant Wheat Breeder and Station Manager to execute and evaluate wheat yield trials and screening nurseries at all locations.

• Responsible for data collection in the Maintenance Nursery and assisting the Breeders in completing PVP documents

• Assist breeders to perform crosses and manage greenhouse independently in absence of breeder.

• Lead and train seasonal staff and summer interns.

• Co-ordinate and technically supervise activities to turn-around seed between harvest and sowing.

• Create field-plans and generate field-books and record data using technical equipment.

• Maintain sufficient stock of breeding supplies and materials, and office supplies.

• Provide technical expertise to handle breeding machinery.

• Ensure purchasing is kept within budget and authority levels are not exceeded.

• Regular travel and/or drive and/or operate a forklift on behalf of the business.

• Meet attendance requirements.

• Ensure the Company handbook, Rules, Guidelines and Procedures, and safety policies are followed and personal protective equipment is used correctly.

• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors’ degree in Breeding, Agronomy, Genetics, Horticulture, or related field; or comparable work experience in crop improvement and variety development.

• Basic computer skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Forklift license, or ability to obtain one.

• People management skills.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Proven skills demonstrating critical, logical and innovative thinking.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Must wear required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as needed.

• Able to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. using safe lifting strategies.

• Able to work indoor/outdoor in varied environmental conditions (loud, hot, cold, dusty, damp, etc.).

• Flexibility to work rotating shifts as needed (including weekend, night shift, and holidays).

• Driving vehicles for extended periods of time.