About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Agriculture (popcorn breeding & seed production).

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Position Overview

This is a hands-on, field-focused role supporting research, breeding, and seed production. Two levels are hiring: Field Research Technician I (entry/developing) and Field Research Technician II (experienced). Placement will depend on education, relevant experience, demonstrated skills, and qualifications.

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Primary Responsibilities (Both Levels)

• Execute field and research activities supporting popcorn breeding and seed production.
• Assist with field trials, research nurseries, planting, pollinations, field evaluations, data collection, and harvest.
• Process seed, prepare samples, conduct popping evaluations, and support laboratory testing as needed.
• Prepare and maintain research records, maps, labels, tags, samples, inventories, and related documentation.
• Perform accurate and repetitive seasonal research activities with consistency and attention to detail.
• Operate safely around agricultural equipment, research facilities, and field operations.
• Communicate progress, issues, and resource needs to the research team.
• Follow established research protocols, safety procedures, quality standards, and departmental practices.
• Support a safe, organized, efficient, and collaborative Research & Development work environment.
• Perform other duties required to support seasonal research and seed production activities.

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Additional Responsibilities — Field Research Technician II

• Complete assigned research activities independently after direction from the Research Team Lead.
• Help coordinate daily research activities and shifting seasonal priorities.
• Provide practical guidance and work direction to seasonal and part-time employees.
• Serve as an operational resource within the Research & Development department.
• Identify field, workflow, equipment, staffing, or resource issues and communicate them promptly.

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Qualifications

Field Research Technician I

• Associate degree, technical training, or relevant experience in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, Agriculture, Biology, or related field preferred.
• Agricultural, farming, seed production, greenhouse, research plot, or field experience preferred but not required.
• Strong work ethic, dependability, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete repetitive tasks accurately.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn data collection systems.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Field Research Technician II

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, Agriculture, Biology, or related field preferred.
• Two or more years of relevant agricultural, field research, seed production, plant breeding, or crop science experience preferred.
• Experience with field trials, breeding nurseries, pollinations, seed handling, or crop evaluation strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated initiative, independence, reliability, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate daily work and provide guidance to seasonal staff.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn data collection systems.
• Valid driver’s license required.

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Physical & Working Conditions

• Regular, physically demanding agricultural work in outdoor environments throughout the growing season.
• Work indoors and outdoors in variable weather — heat, humidity, wind, dust, mud, rain, and changing temperatures.
• Spend the majority of the workday in research fields, nurseries, production areas, and agricultural facilities.
• Walk extended distances through fields and over uneven ground; stand, bend, kneel, climb, lift, carry, reach, and perform repetitive physical work.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Work extended or adjusted seasonal hours during planting, pollination, field evaluation, and harvest.
• Maintain dependability, focus, and a positive work ethic during periods of increased seasonal workload.

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Compensation

• Field Research Technician I: Competitive hourly pay, generally expected to fall within $18.00–$20.00 per hour (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications).
• Field Research Technician II: Competitive hourly pay, generally expected to fall within $22.00–$26.00 per hour (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications).
• Overtime opportunities year-round, including during peak seasonal periods.

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What We Offer

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Additional ancillary benefits
• Paid training and professional development
• Career growth opportunities within a multi-generation agricultural seed company
• Collaborative team environment focused on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement

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About the Client

Confidential Client is a fourth-generation, family-owned popcorn breeding and seed production company headquartered in central Nebraska. Their Research & Development team supports every stage of the breeding cycle: from field nurseries and controlled pollinations to harvest, seed processing, quality evaluation, and commercial advancement.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.