Plant Breeding Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

About Confluence Genetics 
 Confluence Genetics develops soybean technologies and varieties that create value from farm-gate to feed, food and fuel end-markets by unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants. The Company leverages their proprietary CropOS™ machine learning platform with proprietary germplasm data and speed breeding technologies in our Crop Accelerator facility to drastically accelerate and simplify the product development process. This platform allows for cost-effective and more efficient ways to analyze and make improvements in plant genetics. Confluence Genetics brings a unique and holistic approach to our product and platform development, as we span a broader workflow involving trait and seed development, genome editing, and breeding all the way to creating better ingredients and varieties that tap a strong customer demand. More information can be found online at https://confluence.ag/.

Our Purpose and Core Values 

Our Core Values are a set of common principles we share that are fundamental to our company's identity. Real. Inspired!

• Real. We show up with honesty, accountability, and purpose. We lead with integrity and speak with candor, knowing that trust and transparency drive performance. We challenge each other respectfully and stay grounded in what matters—our shared mission and one another.
• Inspired! We’re driven by possibility and energized by progress. With open minds and a bold spirit, we embrace change, take smart risks, and push boundaries. We stay curious, creative, and connected to each other, our partners, and the future we’re building together.

Department Overview

The Field Operations Team is responsible for conducting a wide range of research activities, namely in the areas of trait discovery and validation, crop genetic engineering, crop transformation, molecular detection, biochemical assays, plant growth, and molecular breeding, to name a few. These activities are aimed at developing new capabilities in crop research, the outcome of which is then leveraged to create new product development opportunities and shorten the time to market. The department leverages its platform capabilities and extensive knowhow in biology and crop science, along with the computational expertise housed within the Data Science & Platform Engineering, as well as the market insights of the Business Development and Commercial teams to design and create new and improved crop varieties, which offer tangible benefits to farmers and consumers, specifically in the areas of sustainability, health and nutrition.

Position Summary

The Seasonal Technician will be responsible for assisting our field research operations team. Work will primarily consist of general seed processing, packaging, field data collection, plant harvesting, plant sampling, and riding in combine for seed collection. Supports activities by performing routine tasks under supervision. Follow protocols and safety procedures. 

You Will:

• General seed handling tasks such as seed processing, packaging shipping, receiving, and sorting seed purposes.
• Collect in field data on field plots
• Ride in combine to assist in seed collection. 
• Work with lab equipment
• Work with plant threshing equipment 
• Work around large equipment
• Field maintenance activities. 
• Sets up, adjusts, and operates equipment and instruments. 
• Follow protocols to generate accurate operational data. 
• Maintains clean facilities, equipment, and instruments.

 You Have:

(Competencies and Qualifications)

Education

• HS/ GED 

Experience

No Experience needed Other 

• Able to work 40 hrs per week; some weekend work will be required during peek weeks 
• Able to lift a minimum of 40lbs. 
• Willing to learn and ready to take on challenges.  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, start-up company environment. 
• Attention to detail, positive attitude, and works well within a group . 
• Demonstrates an adaptable, attentive and thorough work ethic.  
• Excellent planning, organization, and execution skills.
• Attention to detail 
• Collaborative 
• Ability to focus and follow directions 
• Dependable