Alforex Seeds is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow AgroSciences, an Indianapolis, IN based company developing leading-edge crop protection and biotechnology solutions to meet the challenges of the growing world. Dow AgroSciences is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company and had annual global sales of $7.3 billion in 2014. Our company has experience success and growth in marketing and distributing agricultural products and services. Join us and grow your career with a strong and profitable industry leader offering competitive compensation, tremendous growth and development opportunities, and a people-first work environment.

The Forage Crops Research Agronomist/Entomologist within Seeds R&D will assist in day to day operations of the Woodland forage crops breeding programs with a focus on entomology. This position will provide technical assistance to the breeders and staff for the development of new varieties and hybrids that contribute to the commercial success of the company. Work activities will include the following: collection, management, and maintenance of insect colonies; conducting plant resistance bioassays; oversight of field agronomic practices; assistance in the supervision, performance, and execution of greenhouse activities (planting, plant growth, pollination, & harvest); breeding program data collection.

This position will work with Woodland leadership and staff members at the location in a team oriented environment with training in cross functional areas and will be expected to be a role model for safety.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage insect colonies for key alfalfa pests.
• Conduct plant resistance screening and characterization tests.
• Provide agronomic input and oversight to ensure quality data collection from trials and nurseries.
• Assist in breeding program to include planning of trials and nurseries, planting, pollinating, and harvesting nursery material.
• Remains abreast of scientific and technological developments in his or her field of expertise.
• Assist in supervising temporary personnel in pollination, sampling, and harvest.
• Travel to outlying sites as needed and be able to work extended hours during peak season.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor Degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Entomology or a related field.
• Previous Entomology research experience required.
• Strong understanding of agronomy principle and forage cropping systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially spreadsheet applications.
• Working knowledge and understanding of general daily greenhouse operations (seeding, plant growth, familiarity with greenhouse lighting and watering, fertilization, plant physiology and environmental control systems).
• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to perform physical labor under greenhouse and field conditions, including lifting 50 lbs and tolerating high temperatures as well as working in and around plant pollen.
• Flexibility to work on weekends and holidays on a rotating schedule.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, meet deadlines, pay close attention to detail, and fully embrace safety and regulatory compliance guidelines.
• Receptive and adaptive to changes with work processes and procedures.

Position is located in Alforex’s headquarters in Woodland, California.

Successful applicants will be required to be eligible to work in the United States, and successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen.

Benefits & Compensation

Alforex Seeds offers a comfortable and fun atmosphere where learning and initiative are valued and growth and movement are easily attained. In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer an excellent benefits package including health, 401k with company match, stock purchase options, flexible spending accounts, & paid vacation, sick & holidays & much more!

Interested?

If you are enthusiastic to join a growing organization, please send us a letter of motivation and a detailed resume.
Submit in Word or PDF attachments to h.resource@alforexseeds.com