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Pollinating Corn Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... handling for corn, soybean, wheat, and other crops. * Move carts of plants in and out of ... seeding, pollinating, transplanting plants, watering, harvesting, tissue sampling, and data ...

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.

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?

AspectPollinating CornPollinating Soybeans
Work EnvironmentFields during planting season, often in large-scale farmsFields during flowering, typically in soybean-growing regions
Required SkillsKnowledge of crop stages, manual or mechanical pollination techniquesUnderstanding of soybean flowering, manual pollination methods
CertificationsNone specific, agricultural experience preferredNone 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:

Infographic showing various Pollinating Corn job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, and 64% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Laboratory Technician

CYNET SYSTEMS

Johnston, IA • On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Overview:
Pay Range: $17.80hr - $22.80hr
Requirement/Must Have:
  • High school diploma/GED required.
  • Bachelor's degree in an agriculture, horticulture, biology, or related field or 3+ years of related experience or equivalent amounts of relevant education and experience, is preferred.
  • Experience with safely operating machinery and/or following protocols is also preferred.
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail and follow standard operating and safety/ergonomics protocols is essential.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills, a high degree of self-motivation, and a positive attitude.
  • Ability to work well independently as well as a team member with minimal supervision.
  • Basic computer skills preferred, including MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook), and ability to gain competency with internally-developed research software.
Responsibilities:
  • Perform daily greenhouse plant care such as checking for watering needs, harvesting, discarding plants, seed processing and handling for corn, soybean, wheat, and other crops.
  • Move carts of plants in and out of greenhouses and assist with experiments, collecting data, and maintaining records.
  • Safely run threshing machinery as trained and as outlined in the protocols.
  • Follow all safety and process protocols at all times.
  • Perform routine greenhouse sanitation tasks such as discarding regulated material, destroying waste, cleaning pots/containers, cleaning, and sanitizing rooms.
  • Carefully maintain plant/seed identity for thousands of unique identities at a time for all processes.
  • Assist with preparation and execution of routine duties such as seeding, pollinating, transplanting plants, watering, harvesting, tissue sampling, and data collection and handling.
  • Maintain a professional, clean, and safe work environment while meeting all compliance standards.
Skills:
  • Greenhouse Operations.
  • Plant Care.
  • Data Collection.
  • Seed Processing.
  • MS Office.
  • Sanitation Protocols.
  • Machinery Operation.
Qualification And Education:
  • High school diploma/GED required.
  • Bachelor's degree in agriculture, horticulture, biology, or related field preferred.
Physical Requirements(Due to nature of job, The candidate must have):
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to sit for long periods of time.
  • Ability to lift 30 lbs.
  • Ability to perform repetitive work for hours.
  • Ability to work in a warm, humid greenhouse with pollen present year-round.
 

Benefits
 
Our Benefits Include:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Disability Insurance (Short-Term and Long-Term)
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Paid Sick Leave (where required by applicable state or local law)
  • Supplemental Insurance Plans
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Wellness Programs
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Career Growth and Professional Development Opportunities
Disclaimer: Benefits eligibility, accrual rates, and usage limits may vary based on employment status, length of service, and work location. Paid Sick Leave is provided in strict accordance with applicable state and municipal mandates. Cynet Systems Inc. reserves the right to modify, amend, or terminate any benefit plans at any time in accordance with applicable laws.

About Cynet Systems

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area, Cynet Systems Inc. is a leading technology staffing and workforce solutions company serving Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and enterprise organizations across the United States and Canada. We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and professional staffing, powered by a high-performing recruitment engine operating across North America and Asia.
As a nationally and locally certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Cynet Systems is committed to helping organizations build high-performing teams while empowering professionals to grow rewarding careers. Our organization is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 Type II standards, reflecting our commitment to quality, security, operational excellence, and customer success.

Cynet Systems logo

About Cynet Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cynet Systems Inc is a staffing and recruiting corporation nestled in Ashburn, VA, USA. Established in 2010, the company operates within the Information Technology and Services sector, specializing in providing effective workforce solutions to different business needs, including IT consulting, direct hire, and contract staffing services. Through the years, Cynet Systems has built an impressive portfolio, going beyond borders and expanding its operations internationally in Canada and India. Rooted in its core values of teamwork, leadership, and commitment, Cynet Systems helps businesses unlock their full potential by providing versatile and competent professionals that perfectly align with their needs. Fueled by their unwavering mission to deliver top-tier talent to businesses worldwide, Cynet Systems garnered various recognitions including SIA's fastest-growing staffing firms and Best Place to Work in Virginia for 2019.

Industry

It services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sterling, VA, US

Year founded

2010

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