Lead Research Technician

The Davis Purdue Ag Center (DPAC) is seeking a Lead Research Technician. In this role, you will work directly with PAC staff, faculty and graduate students implementing field trials at DPAC, review and evaluate individual research protocols for each trial making recommendations that allow for efficient use of DPAC resources, as well as taking the lead and working independently in the scheduling and operation of field equipment fleet used for field preparation, plot layout, planting, pesticide applications and harvest of crops and collection of research data related to field research trials at DPAC. In addition, you will utilize precision ag technologies to program research equipment for variable-rate planting, pesticide application and yield data collection based on input about data required by faculty and graduate students, crop scouting and field conditions.

• Operate research and commercial agriculture equipment in a research capacity such as tractors, planters, sprayers and combines fitted with data collection systems
• Setup and operation of Real Time Kinetic (RTK) GPS and other precision ag technologies to enhance machine operations and data collection
• Participate during the planning, preparation and implementation phases for complex field research trials and make independent decisions to improve and enhance ag center performance
• Assist researchers with collection and retrieval of data for a multitude of field research activities
• Setup and calibrate equipment to meet expectations of research protocols
• Interface with software to automatically or manually achieve desired machine function related to planting rate, speed, steering, depth and downforce, application rate and data collection
• Facilitate equipment maintenance, modifications, and repairs to meet operational standards as well as specific needs of faculty and graduate students implementing research trials at the ag center.
• Remedy multifaceted problems associated with mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic systems in research and large agricultural equipment
• Fabricate or modify various metal implements to ease and facilitate field research needs and enhance performance and efficiency
• Manage grain center operations including drying, transfer, storage and maintaining grain condition for long term storage
• Assist research teams with data collection and archiving of data. This may include interpreting and summarizing data as well as experimental results
• Collect plant, soil, and water samples to support experiments
• Maintain a safe work environment for coworkers and others
• Serve as team lead responsible for training and/or overseeing new technical support staff and student workers

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2 years of experience with equipment operation, setup, repair, modification and maintenance
• Experience with Precision Ag technologies and agricultural & heavy equipment operation
• Ability to obtain certification and/or licensing in regulated areas as needed (example: Possess or have the ability to acquire Cat 1, 11 and 14 pesticide applicator licenses within 1 year of hire date)
• Ability to acquire a part 107 drone license and a part 137 aerial applicator license
• Ability to acquire a Class A CDL within 12 months of employment
• Valid U.S. or Canadian drivers license
• Become approved to drive Purdue University vehicles
• Ability to work extended seasonal hours beyond 40 hours per week as needed

Nice to Have:

• Welding experience

• This position is located in Farmland, IN
• Purdue will not sponsor work authorization for this position.
• A background check is required for employment in this position
• This was formerly classified as an operational/technical position; an internal lateral transfer will retain same benefit standing.
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply