Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Seasonal Field Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

Are you ready to trade your desk for the great outdoors? This role requires a highly motivated and detail-oriented Seasonal Field Specialist to join our dynamic team. In this critical, hands-on role, you will be the backbone of our field operations, responsible for executing research protocols, collecting high-quality data, and ensuring the success of our seasonal projects. You will operate at the intersection of technology and nature, using specialized equipment to gather insights that drive innovation. This position is perfect for an independent, adaptable individual who thrives in a fast-paced, outdoor environment and is passionate about making a tangible impact in the fields of agriculture, environmental science, or a related industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Recent Graduate (Agriculture, Biology, Environmental Science)
Field Technician Intern or Co-op
Agricultural or Farm Worker with a technical aptitude

Advancement To:

Full-Time Field Specialist or Field Technician
Research Associate
Field Operations Coordinator or Manager

Lateral Moves:

Data Analyst (with focus on field data)
Lab Technician
GIS Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Independently manage and execute detailed field research protocols, including site selection, plot establishment, data collection, and seasonal maintenance, ensuring the highest standards of data integrity and accuracy.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain specialized agricultural and environmental equipment, such as GPS/GNSS units, soil moisture probes, drones (UAVs), and handheld data loggers, performing routine troubleshooting in the field.
Methodically collect high-quality agronomic and environmental data, including but not limited to plant tissue samples, soil samples, stand counts, pest and disease ratings, and yield data, following strict scientific protocols.
Utilize proprietary mobile applications and software on tablets or smartphones to accurately record observations, upload data in real-time, and manage daily workflows efficiently.
Conduct regular field scouting and monitoring to identify, diagnose, and report on crop health, weed pressure, insect infestations, and disease symptoms, providing critical feedback to the research team.
Perform precise application of treatments, such as seeds, fertilizers, or crop protection products, using small-plot research equipment and ensuring adherence to safety and environmental guidelines.
Assist with the planning and logistics of field trial activities, including coordinating equipment transport, managing supplies, and preparing sites for planting, maintenance, and harvest.
Safely operate and perform light maintenance on company vehicles and trailers used for transporting equipment and personnel to various remote field locations.
Maintain meticulous digital and written records of all field activities, observations, and deviations from protocol to ensure a clear and traceable audit trail for research purposes.
Navigate to and between remote field sites using digital mapping tools and GPS, demonstrating strong logistical planning and time management skills.
Install, monitor, and retrieve in-field sensors and data-logging equipment, ensuring continuous and reliable data streams for environmental and crop growth monitoring.
Process and organize collected samples (soil, tissue, etc.) for shipment to internal or external laboratories, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and chain of custody documentation.
Adhere to and champion all company safety policies and procedures (HSE), actively participating in safety meetings and promoting a culture of safety in all field activities.
Interface with landowners, growers, and other external collaborators in a professional and courteous manner, representing the company positively while coordinating access and activities.
Support harvest operations by using specialized small-plot combines or hand-harvesting techniques to accurately measure and record yield data from research trials.
Assist in the evaluation of new technologies and field methodologies, providing practical feedback to improve the efficiency and quality of our data collection processes.
Conduct regular quality control checks on collected data to identify anomalies or errors, working with data management teams to resolve issues promptly.
Manage the inventory of field supplies, consumables, and personal protective equipment (PPE), anticipating needs and placing orders to avoid operational delays.
Prepare concise end-of-day or weekly reports summarizing field activities, progress against goals, challenges encountered, and significant observations.
Work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a larger project team, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive attitude.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to provide initial insights from field observations.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy by providing on-the-ground feedback on data collection tools and processes.
Collaborate with business units and R&D teams to translate data needs into practical, executable field engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the broader research and data teams to ensure alignment and communication.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting GPS/GNSS equipment for precision mapping, navigation, and plot establishment.
Experience with agricultural or environmental data collection using mobile applications on tablets (iOS/Android) or other handheld devices.
Ability to operate and perform basic maintenance on agricultural machinery (e.g., planters, sprayers, small-plot combines) or a strong mechanical aptitude.
Knowledge of scientific sampling techniques, including soil sampling, plant tissue analysis, and water quality testing.
Competency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) or Google Workspace for data organization and reporting.
A valid driver's license and a clean driving record, with experience driving trucks and towing trailers.
Familiarity with drone (UAV) operation and associated flight planning software is a significant plus.
Basic understanding of experimental design, data quality principles, and research protocols.
Ability to read and interpret technical documents, maps, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for mapping and spatial analysis is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, especially when working autonomously in remote and challenging field conditions.
Meticulous attention to detail and strong observational skills to ensure the collection of high-quality, accurate data.
Excellent time management and organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks and locations efficiently within a season.
High degree of adaptability and resilience, with the ability to work effectively in changing weather conditions and flexible schedules, including long hours during peak seasons.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for reporting findings and collaborating with team members and external partners.
Self-motivation and the ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
A proactive commitment to safety for oneself and others in all work environments.
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
Physical stamina and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform tasks that require walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent, coupled with relevant hands-on experience in an outdoor or technical role.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Agronomy or Crop Science
Environmental Science or Ecology
Biology or Botany
Agricultural Business or Technology
Horticulture

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of experience in a related field.

Preferred: 1+ years of seasonal or full-time experience in agricultural research, environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, or a similar field-based technical role is highly desirable. Experience working on a farm or in a similar outdoor capacity is also a strong asset.