Project: Field Trial Program

Timeframe: March – October 2024

Position: Field Trial Manager – Grape & Tomato Trials

AgCall Inc. has an exciting opportunity for agricultural professionals in select geographies in and around the California counties of Fresno, Napa, Sonoma and San Joaquin, to complete field trial data gathering activities during the 2024 growing season. This is a contract project in the crop nutrition industry beginning in March and ending in October 2024. Associates will be working with grape and tomato growers in their assigned region, selected by the client to conduct field data gathering visits and ensure adherence to the protocol at 3 to 6 points during the growing season. Associates will be responsible for 3 to 6 farms within their territory. Communication with assigned growers will be of the utmost importance to ensure presence during key field activities.

Requirements:

• Must have experience with grape and tomato production to ensure product is applied according to trial protocol, quality evaluations are made accurately and data is collected correctly at application and harvest
• Must be available for day travel to make on-farm visits from approximately April 15 through Harvest, 2024, conducting 3 site visits at specific points during the growing season (application visit, in-season analysis, and harvest)
• Maintain contact with each grower, calling 3 to 4 times during the season to introduce trial and objectives, collect information and schedule field activities
• Must be willing to manage 3 to 6 plots within approximately a 150-mile radius
• Strong production ag and agronomy background, and understanding of plot protocol management
• Must be able to complete soil samples, quality scoring and other agronomic assessments as required by protocol
• Detail-oriented with excellent communication skills
• Ready access to a computer, email, and smartphone and familiarity with agronomic smartphone apps
• May be active or retired growers, retailers, crop/seed salesmen, agronomists or other ag professionals.
• Must be comfortable meeting with farmers and growers

Tasks:

• Attend the technical and safety training sessions to be held by video conference in early April. Additional training sessions may be held before key activities during the season, conducted by video conference. Attendance is required.
• Establish and manage 3 to 6 plots, as determined and assigned by the client, with the objectives of capturing application and yield data, field samples, grower’s comments, and photos.
• Work closely with your assigned project manager as you contact participating growers and setup each trial.
• Ensure grower understanding and adherence to the plot protocol established by the client.
• Be available during the 3 to 6 critical data-collection points throughout the growing season defined below, working within the grower’s schedule for the duration of the project, especially during product application and harvest.
• Additional visits during the season may be required depending on growing conditions and the product evaluated
• Duties will range from phone contact and follow up with the grower cooperator, up to and including:
• Site initiation (Phone): Associates review trial protocol, objectives and product application. Associates will coordinate field selection with grower to ensure trial requirements are met.
• Site Visit One (In-Person): Review protocol, ensure proper product application, mark plots are record field GPS coordinates
• Take samples as directed in protocol
• Document application information and record data as available
• Site Visit Two (In Person): Record crop quality assessments and comparison photos, document additional application data as needed, record grower feedback, and make plan for harvest.
• Harvest: Record quality evaluations and yield data collection. Document grower feedback and testimonials.
• Keep detailed observations and data from each site visit and report them online as per AgCall instruction within 24 hours.
• Take and submit photographs of the sites and comparisons with standard treatment as directed in protocol. Quality photos must be properly labeled, following basic picture taking guidelines and recommendations.
• Remove flags and signs that impede harvest operations, if applicable.
• Provide feedback and photographic evidence of any compromised trials whether from an error (incorrect applications, excessively weedy fields, etc.) or from weather occurrence (hail, frost, drought, flooding, etc.)
• Complete required paperwork correctly and send administrative paperwork to AgCall within predetermined timelines
• Report to the AgCall project manager (Brett Wessler) on a weekly basis

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $40.00 - $45.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Fresno, CA (Required)

Work Location: In person