The Shakoor Laboratory at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (St. Louis, Missouri) develops and uses integrated digital agriculture systems to study the effects of phenotype, genotype, and environment on crop productivity. Leading edge tools, methods, and technologies are being utilized to optimize the ability of Sorghum Bicolor to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in its roots, shoots and leaves. We are seeking a highly motivated Part-time Field Technician to join our team.

Responsibilities:

Operate heavy equipment (Geoprobe, AMS gas powered core sampler) to obtain soil cores at multiple farm sites
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed
Ensure that all safety rules, policies, and site-specific safety guidelines are followed
Collect, organize, and prepare agricultural materials for laboratory testing according to protocols
Other duties as assigned
Regular communication of project progress
Travel up to 50% of the time

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Basic mechanical knowledge
Ability to learn and comply with safe operation of equipment
Must be able to regularly lift and carry 65lbs and perform strenuous physical labor
Familiarity with Google Drive and the Microsoft Suite of products
Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED required
Valid license to drive company vehicles to and from work sites/fields

Work Environment:
This work will mostly take place in farm environments in the summer and fall months. Exposure to harsh conditions such as hot temperatures, dust, fumes, and noise for long periods is possible. All employees are required to wear personal protective equipment when machinery is being used. Employee must be able to walk, stand, use hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch.

Submission:

Cover letter
Resume
Contact information for three (3) professional references

About the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center:
Founded in 1998, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Our focus is scientific research at the nexus of food, energy and the environment to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We assemble interactive teams of scientists and develop unique platforms to discover underlying principles about how plants work. We then convert that knowledge into useful crops and products, and partner with organizations that are best positioned to solve problems where they exist around the world. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is proudly an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Danforth Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is our policy that the Danforth Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin and status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this web site, please contact Human Resources, at 314-587-1033 for further assistance.