R&D Farm Sr Technician

Overview

PepsiCo is a global food enterprise sourcing a variety of raw materials of agricultural origin such as tuber, grain, and fruit & vegetable crops around the world. A results-oriented Farm Technician is required to execute breeding activities primarily across potatoes and oat, with potential of expansion to other crops at PepsiCo Center of Excellence breeding facility in Rhinelander, WI.

The Farm Technician is responsible for assisting the breeding programs, leading projects, and working within the breeding programs to drive the improvement of raw agriculture materials delivering value to PepsiCo. Current programs at the site focus on oats and potato variety development for Quaker and FritoLay. This position will work closely with managers to execute field research and plot work. The technician is also expected to make independent decisions that directly affect project objectives. Operations are in a farm setting including but not limited to farm, shop, and seed storage facilities.

• Conduct research farm operations: planting, harvesting, field preparation & maintenance, and irrigation
• Operation of farm equipment including planter, combine, cultivators, fertilizer tender/spreader, seed drills, mower, and irrigation pivots
• Utilize latest technology in the tractors including precision agriculture, guidance, and accurate record keeping
• Continuously identify opportunities for improving efficiency and quality of farm operations, including efficiencies in processes, techniques, and flow.
• Support potato storage activities including seed cutting and preparation and shipping and grading of potatoes
• Support general maintenance of farm equipment including tractors, implements, irrigation, etc.
• Snow removal at all site locations
• Active participation in Safety Programs and comply with local HSE requirements, including but not limited to prevention, incident reporting, and remedial actions

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $53,600 - $80,450.
• Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

• High level of attention to details as required working in a research environment and accurate record keeping.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and activities within assigned resources/timelines.
• Ability to utilize precision agriculture (John Deere, Trimble, etc.) and communication technologies (Word, Excel, Power Point, Webex, Outlook, etc.)
• A proven ability to work closely with colleagues on activities with a high degree of flexibility and comfort with change.
• Ability to work as a team member contributing to results and improvements aligning with goals of the Center of Excellence while delivering value to PepsiCo
• The standard workday is 7:00-3:30, M-F and requires infrequent overnight travel, weekend work, and occasional extended hours/week during planting and harvest seasons.
• Experience with the operation of farm equipment
• Good communication skills
• Must be able to work in hot and wet/dry environments such as farm fields and greenhouses to work with plants, soil, and agricultural/science equipment, and to lift safely up to 50 LBS.
• Ability to obtain Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator license
• Attention to detail