Lab technician

Illinois Crop Improvement Association was formed in 1922 as the unbiased authority for seed certification and grain quality analysis in the state of Illinois.

The Field Services Department at Illinois Crop Improvement Association is seeking a full-time Greenhouse/Lab Technician in Champaign, IL. to assist with trait testing and field inspection operations. The Field Services Department supports seed companies through trait testing seed samples, as well as supporting Illinois seed certification by managing the field inspection program. The fast-paced and variable work environment is seasonal, focusing on genetic testing October through April, and field inspections May through September. The laboratory operates under ISO/IEC 17025 and the field inspection program is accredited through the National Seed Health System authorized by USDA – APHIS. Technicians in leadership positions are accredited through the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists as Registered or Certified members.

Title: Greenhouse/Lab Technician

Accountability: The Greenhouse/Lab Technician reports directly to the Field Services Director

Duties and Responsibilities – Greenhouse and Lab Testing

• Responsible for performance of appropriate genetic testing procedures including herbicide bioassays, ELISAs, lateral flow strip testing, etc.
• Responsible for accurate recording of test data.
• Responsible for reporting technical issues and problems related to any activity in the department.
• Greenhouse cleaning and maintenance.
• Assists the Field Services Director in method modification and development, and validation of new methods.
• Assists other departments as directed.
• Assists with the Quality Management System as directed.
• A commitment to the mission and ISO quality policy of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities - Field Inspections

• Responsible for performance of appropriate field inspection procedures for small grains, corn, and soybeans.
• Responsible for accurate recording of field data.
• Assists in training and managing inspectors.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required:

• Education: High school or equivalent
• Knowledge of seed quality, genetic testing, and seed science.
• Ability to analyze information and make consistent decisions in a time-efficient manner.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Hand eye coordination required for some aspects of this position (pipetting, planting).
• Ability to communicate clearly in English.
• Ability to use modern business communications equipment including computers.
• Ability to verbally communicate with employees and customers.
• Flexibility to work under seasonal time constraints (i.e., Field inspections happen at specific growth stages of the plants, sample volume received for testing can be variable and work may be different depending on what the lab receives on a given day, etc.).
• Illinois Pesticide Operators License, or willingness to obtain the Illinois Pesticide Operators License.
• Willingness to work towards and become a Registered Genetic Technologist through the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST).

Preferred, but not required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field of study, but not exclusive to: Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Environmental Science, Biology, Molecular Biology, or Genetics.
• Experience working in a greenhouse or testing lab.
• Knowledge of grain and seed testing methods, chemicals, products and equipment.
• Knowledge of quality management systems.

Conditions of Employment

• Due to the duties and responsibilities of this position, the individual must be willing to accept a time commitment that may involve work weeks that exceed 40 hours and may include some travel with evening and weekend work.
• Written acceptance of the employee handbook and confidentiality agreement.

Working conditions/physical demands

• Keyboarding, filing, phone use and other general office activities.
• Pipetting, weighing seed samples, note-taking and other lab activities.
• Work involving maintaining supplies and chemicals relating to genetic testing.
• Occasionally driving for extended periods for field inspections or workshops.
• Ability to lift and carry samples, supplies, and equipment as necessary.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, such as heat, sunlight, humidity, cold, rain, frost, dew and wind.
• Exposure to elements associated with field and seed crops, which may include contact with whole plants, plant parts, pollen, seeds, weeds, insects, spiders, wildlife, soil, sand, dust, mud, dirt, and plant pathogens.
• Sufficient mobility to perform customer visits, attend meetings and generally move about the facility in an efficient manner.
• Valid driver’s license.

Salary

Salary will be commensurate on a candidate’s experience, skills, education and training.

$17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Work location: 3105 Research Rd. Champaign, IL. 61822

The description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed.

Questions regarding the position may be directed to Zach Duray, 217-359-4053.

To apply, fill out an application on our website , go to "About us", "Careers", and click on employment application. Complete the application and email to [email protected].

Emailed applications will be reviewed first and receive priority over Indeed applications.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person