Jobs

Position Summary

This agronomy internship offers an opportunity to learn about IPM practices in commercially grown chipping potatoes. There are many challenges in growing a healthy potato crop including harm from plant parasitic nematodes, insects and disease to the seed piece, stem, leaves or tubers. Interns receive extensive training and work closely with the agronomists. It requires teamwork to make the best management decisions. The work is intense because potatoes are a complicated vegetable crop. Potato fields are scouted weekly.

Position Responsibilities

• Work with farm agronomists to make treatment decisions based on thresholds, economics, weather and additional IPM centered factors.
• Collecting wheat population density, growth stage and disease data.
• Scouting potato, corn and soybean fields for weeds, insects and diseases. Majority of time is spent in the potato crop looking for plant diseases and quantifying Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, pressure. There will also be work with the farm manager on farm operations projects.
• Reporting all data into a mobile phone scouting app, farmQA.
• Collecting weekly potato petiole and soil samples for nitrate tracking and nutrient levels. The intern will help manage the sampling, paperwork and shipping samples every week.
• Soil sampling using GPS technology for nematode populations and soil health properties in potato fields. The interns will take the lead on the nematode tracking project. This includes collecting, keeping records, storing and transporting samples to the university testing lab or personnel.
• Attending a scout classroom training day in Mecosta, Michigan. Attending field training sessions with other interns throughout the summer.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should be enrolled college students or recent college graduates interested in plants, insects, plant disease, agronomy, precision agriculture or farming as possible career interests.

Applicants must have:

• a reliable vehicle and valid Driver’s License.
• the physical ability to walk over potato hills for 8 or more hours each day.
• a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
• the physical ability to work outdoors in humid and warm summer weather.
• the availability to work some long days for periodic trips to the Michigan location.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience scouting potatoes or another crop.
• Knowledge or college coursework in crop scouting, plant health, plant biology, soil science or botany.
• Experience in agronomic pest identification such as weeds, insects and fungal pathogens.
• Experience with some GPS technology or Precision Agriculture.

Other Details

Job Type:Full Time, Paid Summer Internship
Growing Season: May 2027 - September 2027
Salary: $16-17 per hour
Start and end dates are flexible with univeristy academic calendars
Mileage is reimbursed for use of personal vehicle between potato fields. 72.5 cents/mile or current federal rate
All other equipment is provided.

Contact Casey Carr if interested at [email protected]

Apply Now!

Position Summary

The trait discovery breeder will be responsible for designing and implementing trait discovery and carrying genes into ready state for marker-assisted breeding decisions. All activities are done in collaboration with the Aardevo North America breeding team and the global research team.

Position Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and lead trait characterization and marker development projects, working closely with local breeders, field and greenhouse teams, and our molecular breeding team in the Netherlands
• Devise phenotyping methods and protocols for novel traits
• Conduct routine and experimental quantitative and population genetics analyses in support of the North America breeding program. Develop and document novel pipelines for analyzing and selecting upon traits of interest.
• Guide strategic use of molecular resources to optimize the breeding program in coordination with breeders
• Participate in field and greenhouse breeding operations at key seasonal timepoints, especially planting and harvest
• Work with large phenotypic and genomic data sets to discover genetic trends and inform breeding decisions
• Manage research projects, maintain detailed records and documentation, and prepare reports
• Engage with local and international breeders and technical staff to enhance breeding program effectiveness and efficiency

Educational Qualifications

Ph.D. in plant breeding or genetics preferred. Ph.D. in related field demonstrating relevant experience will be considered.

Required Qualifications

• Strong background in plant breeding, genetics, and statistical analysis, molecular biology, and molecular marker application to plant breeding
• Demonstrated success in technical proficiency including relevant programming languages, handling of large data, bioinformatics pipelines, scientific creativity, and collaboration with others
• Excellent managerial and organizational skills; ability to balance multiple tasks and achieve milestones
• Ability to work in a team environment, effective verbal and written communication skills
• Passion for quantitative and population genetics, functional genomics, genetic statistical theory, and experimental design as it is applied to plant breeding
• Ability to work in both field environment and research lab
• Vegetable crop or row crop research experience preferred
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs. Able to work in field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments.
• Availability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally (less than 20%)
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and maintain a valid driver’s license and passport with ability to travel internationally without restrictions.

Application Requirements

Please submit a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV) to [email protected] ; only applications received in this manner will be considered.

Finalist candidates will be asked to complete a background check prior to any offer of employment. A separate disclosure and authorization form will be provided. Reports may include criminal history, employment, education verification, consumer report, and other relevant screenings. You will be notified if any information from the report may affect an employment decision, and you will have access to your report and rights to dispute inaccuracies under federal law.

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Position Summary

The Idaho Crop Improvement Association, Inc. (ICIA) serves as the official seed certification agency for the State of Idaho. As part of its seed certification program, ICIA operates the Seed Certification Laboratory (SCL) in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The SCL performs pathogen testing and other laboratory analyses to support Idaho's seed potato certification program and related testing services.

ICIA is seeking an experienced laboratory professional to manage its Seed Certification Laboratory in Idaho Falls. This position offers an opportunity to oversee laboratory operations that provide essential testing services in support of Idaho's seed potato certification program. The successful candidate will manage laboratory operations to provide timely, accurate, and reliable laboratory testing services in support of Idaho's seed potato certification program.

The Seed Certification Laboratory Manager is responsible for managing the operations of the ICIA Seed Certification Laboratory in support of ICIA's seed potato certification program. Working within the ICIA organizational structure, the incumbent reports directly to the ICIA South East Area Manager and manages laboratory operations in a professional, impartial, effective, and fiscally responsible manner.

Position Responsibilities

1. Manage all aspects of the ICIA Seed Certification Laboratory, including personnel, laboratory operations, prudent management of laboratory expenditures, and the efficient use of laboratory resources.
2. Supervise full-time, part-time, and seasonal laboratory employees, including hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating employee performance.
3. Develop, maintain, and continuously improve laboratory manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality assurance and quality control documentation, and testing protocols to ensure accurate, consistent, and reliable laboratory testing in compliance with applicable accredited testing protocols.
4. Evaluate emerging laboratory technologies and recommend improvements to laboratory methods, procedures, and laboratory operations.
5. Advise ICIA clientele regarding laboratory procedures, including sample submission requirements, testing protocols, and the interpretation of laboratory test results within the context of the testing methodology.
6. Maintain accurate laboratory records and report test results to ICIA clientele and management in a timely manner.
7. Maintain laboratory invoicing records and coordinate billing information with Accounts Receivable.
8. Work with the South East Area Manager and Assistant Manager (Potatoes) to organize and conduct post-harvest testing activities.
9. Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and operated according to established procedures.
10. Coordinate the collection of samples for laboratory testing, as appropriate, and oversee their receipt, handling, storage, and tracking within the Seed Certification Laboratory.
11. Supervise and assist with the testing of certified seed potato samples and other laboratory samples.
12. Perform additional projects and assignments as directed by the South East Area Manager.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Plant Sciences, Biology, or a closely related field, plus five years of progressively responsible laboratory experience, including supervisory or management responsibilities. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated supervisory, leadership, and employee training experience.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and handle confidential business information with discretion.
• Knowledge of seed health testing methods and laboratory quality systems, with the ability to evaluate and implement advances in laboratory technologies.
• Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to establish appropriate priorities, manage multiple responsibilities, and consistently maintain accuracy while meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, and the ability to learn and effectively use the ICIA database.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• The position involves routine handling of plant material, including field-grown plants and tubers. Potential exposure to dirt, dust, and pesticide residues is expected. Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds is required.

Compensation

• Full-time, overtime-ineligible position.
• Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• PERSI Retirement System.
• Health insurance: ICIA pays 100% of the employee premium and two-thirds of dependent coverage for spouse and dependent children.
• Medical Flexible Spending Account available

Application Procedure

Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references to:

Kathy Steward-Williams, Exec. Vice President
Idaho Crop Improvement Association, Inc.
429 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 105
Meridian, ID 83642
p.208-884-8225
f. 208-884-4201
[email protected]