US Field Station Development Representative

Field Station Development Representative – Midwest Research Station, Rochelle, IL 

Business/Function Overview:

The North America Product Development Team is seeking a Field Station Development Representative (FSDR) at the FMC California Technology and Research Center (CTRC) located in Madera, CA.  The CTRC is a 60 farming-acre field research facility responsible for delivering internal trial data for the advancement of new active ingredients and commercial product offerings. The FSDR manages and implements a field-testing program primarily focusing on permanent, specialty, and vegetable crops. They are responsible for conducting research to support product development across all technical disciplines including fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides with both synthetic and biological active ingredients. As part of their program, they are tasked with planning, coordinating, and conducting field trials along with timely analysis/summarization and reporting of data. As part of the Field Station Team, the FSDR also provides support for on-site operations and collaborates with team members to ensure all FMC sustainability and safety standards are met. As part of the US Commercial Organization, they support implementing customer focused plot demonstrations and hosting visitors to demonstrate FMC portfolio and commitments to new product innovation. The FSDR reports directly to the US Field Development Manager.

Field Research 

• Independently and with the team, plan and conduct high-quality field trials for crop protection products (synthetic and biologicals) to assess biological efficacy and crop safety for discovery and commercialization projects.  

• Collect and ensure the quality and integrity of research trial data and entering it into the designated database in a timely manner.  

• Summarize and communicate results with recommendations for product use to collaborators and provide timely feedback to the team for strategic decision making. 

• Facilitate strong working relationship with Global R&D, Regional Product Development, and Technical Service organizations. Provide input and participate as needed on market intelligence and business opportunities in local territory. 

• Maintain strong technical knowledge of new chemistries, FMC and competitor commercial products, and other technology impacting FMC’s business and market position 

• Help train and mentor new employees and interns. 

• Assist with on-site plot tours for internal and external audiences showcasing FMC products. 

• Ensure that all activities meet corporate, local, state, and federal standards, regulations, and laws. 

Field Station Operations 

• Work with on-site team to develop action plans and budgets that meet technical and operational objectives while managing time and priorities in an independent work environment. 

• Align with the US Field Development manager on site needs, adhering to the site budget, and establishing a long-term strategy to maintain the field station. 

• Support facilities operations in partnership with other FSDR, including offices, shop, lab, and grounds management. Maintain or arrange service for all onsite field equipment. 

• Perform field and trial agronomic support including farm equipment and small plot trial research equipment operations. 

• Oversee on-site contractors and 3rd parties which support site operations, capital projects, and/or facility services. 

• Ensure that all field station activities meet local, state, and Federal laws and regulations, and FMC safety standards including safe chemical storage, shipping, handling and application of EPA-approved and experimental agricultural products. 

• Provide support as needed to the Agricultural Research Station to ensure the facilities are in safe working order and all operations meet the standards set forth by the Corporate and Global R&D organization. 

Required Education:  

• MS in Entomology, Pathology, Plant Physiology, Weed Science, Agronomy, Plant Science or other agricultural/related science required. 

• Experience and basic knowledge of farming operations including cultural practices around ground preparation, equipment setup and operation, cultivation, irrigation, planting, spraying and fertilizing the crops grown at the station.  

Qualifications: 

• 2+ years’ experience in research, discovery, development or commercialization of agricultural products experience as a research assistant during postgraduate studies is acceptable.  

• Working knowledge of pest management and appropriate field-testing procedures with a high level of technical competency. 

• Knowledge of agricultural cropping systems, pests, agronomic practices, and pest/disease management products. 

• Experience in field plot technique and statistical analysis of data, with proficiency in ARM, FieldPro, and/or other similar field trial management software. 

• Strong organization skills and close attention to detail. 

• Ability to get results by delivering on commitments and implementing plans and programs. 

• Capable of designing protocols and research projects. 

• Excellent speaking, writing, and computer skills. 

• Ability to manage time and priorities in an independent work environment. 

• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on teamwork and collaborative cooperation. 

• Ability to communicate to a wide variety of internal and external audiences in a way that promotes understanding and builds relationships. 

• Commitment to safe driving practices, chemical handling, and use of equipment. 

• Commitment to continually increase breadth and level of scientific knowledge within key agricultural/biological science disciplines.