Field Research Technician

 Field Research Technician I / Field Research Technician II 

Company: W.O. Zangger & Son, Inc. d/b/a Zangger Popcorn Hybrids 

Position Type: Full-Time 

Location: Ord, Nebraska 
 

ABOUT THE ROLES Zangger Popcorn Hybrids is hiring for two full-time positions within our Research & Development team: 

● Field Research Technician I 

An entry-level or developing research technician position for individuals interested in building a career in agricultural research, plant breeding, seed production, or crop science. 

● Field Research Technician II 

An experienced research technician position for individuals capable of completing assigned work independently, helping coordinate daily research activities, and providing guidance to seasonal or part-time employees. 

Placement at the Technician I or Technician II level will be based on education, relevant experience, demonstrated skills, and overall qualifications. 

Our research and development program is built in the field, not behind a desk. This is a boots-on-the-ground agricultural research position where you'll spend the majority of your time working outdoors in popcornfields, research nurseries, and production environments. If you enjoy being outside, working with your hands, solving practical problems, and seeing the direct results of your work throughout the growing season, you'll fit right in. 

Expect long days during planting, pollination, and harvest. Expect dirt on your boots, sweat on your brow, changing weather, and physically demanding work. While there is some laboratory work, recordkeeping, and computer data entry, the primary workplace is the field. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Field Research Technician I 

● Associate's degree, technical training, or relevant experience in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, Agriculture, Biology, or a related field preferred. 

● Agricultural, farming, seed production, crop production, greenhouse, research plot, or field experience preferred, but not required. 

● Strong work ethic and willingness to learn agricultural research methods and processes. 

● Dependable schedule availability and consistent attendance. 

● Ability to follow instructions, complete repetitive work accurately, and contribute effectively as part of a team. 

● Demonstrated reliability, organization, attention to detail, and follow-through. 

● Basic computer skills and willingness to learn research and data collection systems. 

● Valid driver's license required. 

Field Research Technician II 

● Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, Agriculture, Biology, or a related field preferred. 

● Two or more years of relevant agricultural, field research, seed production, plant breeding, or crop science experience preferred. 

● Experience with field trials, research plots, breeding nurseries, pollinations, seed handling, or crop evaluation strongly preferred. 

● Demonstrated initiative, independence, reliability, and follow-through. 

● Ability to complete assigned work with limited supervision after receiving direction. 

● Strong organizational, communication, and practical problem-solving skills. 

● Ability to help coordinate daily work and provide guidance to seasonal or part-time employees. 

● Basic computer skills and willingness to learn research and data collection systems. 

● Valid driver's license required. 

PHYSICIAL & WORKING CONDITIONS 

These positions require regular, physically demanding agricultural work in outdoor environments throughout the growing season. 

Candidates must be able and willing to: 

● Work indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions, including heat, humidity, wind, dust, mud, rain, and changing temperatures. 

● Spend the majority of the workday in research fields, nurseries, production areas, and agricultural facilities. 

● Walk extended distances through fields and over uneven ground. 

● Stand, bend, kneel, climb, lift, carry, reach, and perform repetitive physical work. 

● Lift and carry up to 50 pounds. 

● Perform detailed and repetitive tasks accurately, even during physically demanding conditions. 

● Work extended or adjusted seasonal hours during planting, pollination, field evaluation, and harvest. 

● Respond to changing weather, crop conditions, and seasonal research priorities. 

● Maintain dependability, focus, and a positive work ethic during periods of increased seasonal workload. 

COMPENSATION 

Field Research Technician I 

● Competitive hourly compensation, generally expected to fall within the range of $18.00–$20.00 per hour, depending on experience, education, demonstrated skills, and qualifications. 

Field Research Technician II 

● Competitive hourly compensation, generally expected to fall within the range of $22.00–$26.00 per hour, depending on experience, education, demonstrated skills, and qualifications. 

WHAT WE OFFER 

● Health insurance 

● Retirement plan 

● Paid time off 

● Additional ancillary benefits 

● Overtime opportunities year-round including during peak seasonal periods 

● Paid training and professional development 

● Career growth opportunities within a fourth-generation agricultural seed company 

● Collaborative team environment focused on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement 

ABOUT ZANGGER POPCORN HYBRIDS 

Zangger Popcorn Hybrids is a fourth-generation, family-owned popcorn breeding and seed company headquartered in central Nebraska. Our Research & Development team supports every stage of the breeding cycle: from field nurseries and controlled pollinations to harvest, seed processing, quality evaluation, and commercial advancement. 

If you'd rather spend your day in the field than behind a desk and take pride in producing high-quality work through every stage of the growing season, we'd like to hear from you. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Contact: Tracy Ries | HR Director | W.O. Zangger & Son, Inc. d/b/a Zangger Popcorn Hybrids 

Email: tracy@zanggerpopcorn.com | Phone: (308) 730-1701 

Zangger Popcorn Hybrids is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran status.