Manager, Field Operations

The Inari Field Operations Manager will play a key role in coordinating activities and facilitating communication across teams and projects at Inari’s testing network and Wolcott Research Site. The candidate must enjoy a rapid paced atmosphere and be flexible, show initiative, and good judgment to achieve established goals and deliverables. This role works out of Inari’s research station in Wolcott, IN and report to the Sr. Manager, Product Development Field Operation.  

As Field Operations Manager, you will…  

• Managing all aspects of small plot trials for Corn & Soybean from planting to harvest, including activities such as trialing location identification, relationship with landowners, seedbed preparation, planting, scouting, in-crop pesticide applications, irrigation, pest identification & monitoring, phenotypic data collection throughout the season, harvesting, seed quality analysis, data reporting. 

• Responsible and focal point for operation and maintenance of seed research equipment. Equipment includes both field equipment (Tractors, Planters, Sprayers, Combines) and lab equipment (Plant threshers, Seed counters or other small plot equipment). Site contact for inspections and audits of laboratory and farm equipment. Transport seed and equipment as needed, when needed. 

• Effectively communicate across teams/projects and drive alignment and/or prioritization between teams for work and projects to be conducted.   

• Work in collaboration with the Farm Operation Manager on the placement and physical execution of all Inari trials, nurseries, & increases at the Wolcott Farm and other external sites. 

• Accountable for all documentation related to regulatory at the farm, which includes Chain of Custody documentation, monitoring, planting, cleaning out logs, etc.   

• Serve as the safety focal point and implementation lead for all safety efforts related with field operations.  

• Provide Prism database support as needed. 

• Cooperate with warehouse operations as needed including seed conditioning and packaging. 

• Providing employee performance & development reviews for direct reports. Supervise and train temporary employees and ensure a safe working environment. 

• Work with the Farm Operation manager to maintain an inventory of supplies used in the research programs and project future needs. 

You Bring…  

• M.S. or B.S. degree in Agronomy, Plant Breeding, or related discipline and at least 5 years of experience working in small plot field testing, breeding nurseries, or field research trials.   

• Prefer candidates with a Pesticide Applicator License; if a candidate does not have a license, they must be willing to take the test for the license. 

• Experience in field testing operations related to planning and execution.  

• Experience managing people and leading teams.  Ability to work both independently and deliver responsibilities within a highly collaborative environment.  

• A collaborative mindset that is open to giving and receiving ideas, perspectives, and feedback. 

• Ability to work extended hours during the peak planting, pollination, and harvesting season in a variety of weather conditions; able to lift 40 pounds. 

• Experience with PRISM software is desirable.  

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