Responsible for executing operational and testing activities at corn and soybean research sites ... Participate in seed packaging, planting, pollinating, note taking, harvest, and shelling.
Responsible for executing operational and testing activities at corn and soybean research sites ... Participate in seed packaging, planting, pollinating, note taking, harvest, and shelling.
Research Associate I
Boone, IA · On-site
Responsible for executing operational and testing activities at corn and soybean research sites ... Participate in seed packaging, planting, pollinating, note taking, harvest, and shelling.
Research Associate I
Boone, IA · On-site
Responsible for executing operational and testing activities at corn and soybean research sites ... Participate in seed packaging, planting, pollinating, note taking, harvest, and shelling.
Pollinating Corn information
What does pollinating corn involve?
Pollinating corn typically refers to the manual process of transferring pollen from the tassels (male flowers) to the silks (female flowers) of corn plants. This is often done in research or seed production fields to ensure controlled breeding and desired trait selection. Workers usually collect pollen by shaking or bagging tassels, then apply it directly onto the silks of specific ears. Manual pollination helps produce hybrid seeds and maintain genetic purity in corn breeding programs. The work is usually seasonal and performed outdoors in the summer months.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Corn Pollinator, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Corn Pollinator, you need basic agricultural knowledge, attention to detail, and the physical stamina to work in field conditions, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like pollination bags, labeling systems, and sometimes handheld data entry devices is helpful. Strong observational skills, teamwork, and reliability are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate pollination, data collection, and contribute to successful crop research and seed production.
How to tell if corn is done pollinating?
As a pollinating corn worker, you can tell pollination is complete when the silks turn brown and dry out, and kernels are fully formed and plump. Typically, this occurs about 7-14 days after silk emergence, depending on weather conditions. Monitoring silk color and kernel development helps ensure successful pollination.
What are the typical challenges faced when working as a pollinator in corn fields, and how can they be managed?
Working as a corn pollinator often involves spending long hours outdoors in various weather conditions, which can be physically demanding. A common challenge is ensuring precise timing, as pollination must be conducted during a specific window when the corn is at the right stage of maturity. Additionally, repetitive tasks and exposure to pollen may lead to allergies or fatigue. To manage these challenges, it’s important to use protective gear, stay hydrated, and communicate closely with team members to coordinate schedules and maximize efficiency. Training and adherence to safety protocols further help in maintaining productivity and well-being.
What is the difference between Pollinating Corn vs Pollinating Soybeans?
| Aspect | Pollinating Corn | Pollinating Soybeans |
|---|---|---|
| Work Environment | Fields during planting season, often in large-scale farms | Fields during flowering, typically in soybean-growing regions |
| Required Skills | Knowledge of crop stages, manual or mechanical pollination techniques | Understanding of soybean flowering, manual pollination methods |
| Certifications | None specific, agricultural experience preferred | None specific, agricultural experience preferred |
Pollinating corn and pollinating soybeans involve similar skills and work environments, focusing on crop pollination during flowering periods. Both roles require agricultural knowledge but do not typically require formal certifications. The main difference lies in the crop type and timing, with each job tailored to the specific needs of corn or soybean pollination.
What are popular job titles related to Pollinating Corn jobs in Iowa? For Pollinating Corn jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pollinating Corn jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Pollinating Corn jobs in Iowa are:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 8 days ago
Job description
WHO WE ARE
GDM Seeds is a global leader in plant genetics, dedicated to transforming agriculture through technological innovation. With a continuous focus on research and development, we bring the most advanced and highperforming seed varieties to the market, creating new growth opportunities for our partners and for the future of agribusiness.
Our North America portfolio includes leading brands like AgriGold®, DONMARIO®, Mustang™, PRIDE® Seeds, Revere®, and Virtue, supported by a network of research superstations, one of the largest corn genetic pools and the fourth-largest corn research program. Through our combined expertise, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering top-tier seed solutions to help farmers grow and succeed. GDM’s region-first brand model reinforces the company’s long-standing promise to deliver top-performing genetics and robust agronomic support - ensuring farmers have the right genetics, in the right place, at the right time.
OUR DNA
We are passionate about what we do and driven by curiosity. We believe that learning and innovation are the foundation for transforming the future of agriculture. Our focus is on cuttingedge genetic development, creating solutions that make a difference in the field and in the global market.
Our DNA not only guides us but also connects us: we work with empathy, transparency, and respect, ensuring agile and flexible operations. Here, you are the protagonist of your career, because we believe every individual plays an essential role in building something greater.
If you are passionate about learning and want to be part of evolving agriculture, GDM is the right place for you!
We are proud to offer a competitive benefits package, which includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with company match (eligible 1st of the month following date of hire)
- Generous vacation time & paid holidays
- Volunteer Time Off
- Paid parental leave
- Tuition and Health Club reimbursement
- Other benefits: Company paid Long-term and short-term disability insurance, company paid life insurance and optional supplemental life insurance, health savings account (HSA) with a company contribution and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Job Summary:
Responsible for executing operational and testing activities at corn and soybean research sites. This role supports the planning, implementation, and maintenance of field trials, ensuring accurate data collection, proper seed inventory management, and the safe operation of research equipment. This position also contributes to the overall success of research programs through collaboration, adherence to quality standards, and compliance with safety protocols.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Participate in seed packaging, planting, pollinating, note taking, harvest, and shelling.
- Maintain accurate inventory and ensure proper storage of seed stocks.
- Support field experiment setup and execution, including site preparation, planting, scouting, spraying, and timely harvest.
- Operate field research equipment such as planters, sprayers, and combines.
- Supervise and train seasonal employees to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Adhere to and promote company safety standards and protocols at all times.
- Contribute to maintaining and improving research quality standards and data integrity.
- Represent the company and research team positively in all interactions.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Strong ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and record-keeping skills.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to learn and utilize various software tools for data collection and analysis.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
- Ability to work extended hours outdoors during the entire growing season.
Education and Experience:
- Associate degree in Agronomy, or related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Prior experience in agricultural research or field operations is a plus.
- Must have valid driver’s license and meet MVR guidelines.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 60 Lbs.
- Ability to travel 40 nights per year, including occasional weekends.
- Expect extended hours and varying weather conditions during peak planting and harvest seasons.
- Must be able to work safely in outdoor environments and around agricultural equipment.
About LG Seeds
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Crop farming
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Westfield, IN, US
Year founded
1994