SOIL SAMPLER

Job Details: Job Location: Cedar Rapids, IA - Cedar Rapids, IA, Position Type: Seasonal, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Title:            Soil Sampler

Department:       Crop Services

Reports To:         Agronomist

FLSA Status:       Non-Exempt

Since 1975, ServiTech, Inc. has relied on the most current technologies, research, and science to make productive and profitable recommendations for thousands of growers on millions of acres. Three ServiTech laboratory facilities complement industry agronomic services to measure fertility, tailor field inputs, and increase yields.

As the global population increases, the need for more efficient food production systems also grows. ServiTech actively pursues new technologies to ensure that our recommendations and services are making farming operations more productive, more efficient, and more sustainable.

SUMMARY

The Soil Sampler (seasonal/temporary position) collects soil samples according to established methods and techniques using a company vehicle with GPS equipment and soil sampling probes. This position is responsible for ensuring quality control of samples and accurate recording of information.  This position will play a crucial role in collecting soil samples for scientific research purposes.

ServiTech serves customers throughout the Midwest, but specifically in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado. Equipment needed to perform the job will be provided including a truck and ATV for transportation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Collects soil samples from various locations using appropriate equipment and techniques.
Follow established protocols and guidelines for sample collection and handling.
Records accurate and detailed information about sample location, depth, and other relevant data.
Ensures proper labeling and storage of collected samples for further analysis.
Collaborate with other team members to coordinate sampling efforts and ensure timely completion.
Assists daily GPS soil sampling, conventional sampling, soybean cyst sampling, and field mapping.
Completes data entry on a computer for generating sample labels, complete lab submittal sheets, and assist with general soil sampling procedures.
Gains hands-on experience with industry leaders as it relates to analyzing field data, interpreting results, and formulating recommendations.
Maintains sampling equipment - including ATV, automatic soil sampler, iPad, and GPS units.
Daily driving to various farms across the state.
Towing a trailer and driving in all weather conditions.
Operates an ATV with GPS receivers, read field maps, and scout fields.
Required to perform other duties as assigned by management.

TRAVEL

Must be able to travel as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands, read, talk and/or hear. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, drive, and operate a computer for long periods of time. The employee is frequently required to walk, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must routinely lift 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds and is regularly required to climb stairs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus including regular use of a computer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must understand and implement all related safety policies, procedures, and programs for prevention and protection while performing job duties in various work environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate to loud and exposure to vibration. The ability to work around various odors including manure and the ability to work with hazardous and caustic chemicals. Based on the farmers’ needs and therefore fluctuates as far as hours worked during peak seasons which include long days, weeks, and months as needed. Willing to work weekends, holidays and long hours as required. Comfortable working in all weather conditions, cold, snow, rain, wind, sun etc.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover every activity, duty, or responsibility required of the employee.

 
Qualifications: QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent certificate is required.  Agronomy, Soils, Crop Science, Entomology, Ag Business, or other Ag majors are preferred but not required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

A valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.

COMPUTER SKILLS

The individual should be proficient in their use of a personal computer and must be able to perform tasks using Windows-based software, knowledge of Microsoft Office and the Internet.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, employees, clients, customers, and the public. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Critical thinking/analytical, problem solving, and conflict management skills.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages and to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems with several concrete variables in standardized situations. Must be able to think quickly and perform a mental assessment of workplace hazards and take appropriate precautions.