PFNA Variety Specific Agronomy Field Technician

Full-time - Entry Level

Rhinelander, WI

Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing

About the position

PepsiCo is a major food enterprise sourcing a variety of raw materials of agricultural origin such as tuber, grain, and fruit & vegetable crops around the world. A creative, results-oriented breeding technician is required to execute breeding activities primarily across potatoes and oats, with potential expansion to other crops at a PepsiCo breeding facility in Rhinelander, WI. This breeding technician is responsible for assisting the breeding programs, leading projects, and working within the breeding programs to drive the improvement of raw agricultural materials important to PepsiCo. This position will work closely with existing assistant breeders to execute breeding operations as set by the manager but is also expected to make independent decisions in order to meet project objectives. Breeding operations are conducted in greenhouses, large walk-in growth chambers, fields, seed storage units, and occasionally wet labs. The position sits in the Agro Raw Materials Discovery function within PepsiCo foods R&D. This position is located at the PepsiCo research facility in Rhinelander, WI and will report to the breeders on site. The technician will work with the VSA trialing lead to execute field trials, phenotype trials, and utilize barcoding and inventory software to track and store tuber, plant, and seed samples. The role requires monitoring and troubleshooting field trials, identifying opportunities for improving efficiency and quality, and complying with local HSE requirements. Adaptability to unexpected delays and changes in workflows is essential to maintain overall productivity.

Responsibilities

• Work with the VSA trialing lead to execute field trials including seed pulling, seed cutting, shipping, in-season follow-up, etc.
• Work with VSA trialing lead to phenotype trials in the field and at the phenotyping facility, including in-season phenotyping, raw potato grading at harvest, and chip frying and processing traits.
• Utilize barcoding and inventory software to track and store tuber, plant, and seed samples.
• Support work in the fields, warehouses, phenotyping building, fry lab, greenhouses, growth rooms, etc., as identified by site leadership.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and promptly report challenges with field trials while proactively identifying potential solutions.
• Continuously identify opportunities for improving efficiency and quality of trialing operations, including efficiencies in processes, techniques, and flow.
• Comply with local HSE requirements, including prevention, incident reporting, and remedial actions.
• Adapt to unexpected delays and changes in workflows to maintain overall productivity.

Requirements

• BS preferred in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Biological Systems Engineering, Biology, or related discipline.
• Relevant experience in an active trialing organization or breeding/genetics program, agriculture, data analysis, or inventory tracking is preferred.
• Attention to details and accurate record keeping.
• Ability to organize projects, work well in teams, and drive for results in any situation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage activities within assigned resources/budgets.
• Excellent communication and networking ability with the local PepsiCo community and the remote team.
• Excellent ability to utilize basic software and communication technologies such as Word, Excel, Power Point, Webex, Outlook, etc.
• Proven ability to work closely with colleagues on activities with a high degree of flexibility and comfort with change.
• Ability to balance the need to deliver on time, on target, within resources, and with expected quality and quantity.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in breeding or genetics programs.
• Familiarity with agricultural/science equipment.

Benefits

• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.