Research Equipment Specialist

**Description**:
This position focuses on maximizing the return on investment in field research equipment (e.g., tractors, planters, combines, etc.). Includes developing plans to service equipment; training and interacting with personnel at Research and Seed Production Centers to effectively maintain and utilize the equipment; assist with equipment selection, capacity planning and budget development; and doing appropriate testing of new equipment and/or modifications to existing equipment to increase utilization and/or data quality. This position is an integral part of and works closely with the U.S. based Research Equipment Support Team (i.e., REST), to effectively deploy and/or support common equipment by leveraging information and expertise.

**Activities**

1. Support effective & safe use of research equipment by Research and Seed Production teams in Mexico to generate high quality and timely data and seeds via pre-season equipment readiness, user training and in-season troubleshooting and field support to minimize downtime.
- Work directly with equipment users and/or vendors on preventative maintenance activities
- Perform and assist users with in-season equipment troubleshooting and repairs
- Develop technical material for user reference and/or training activities
- Resent and deliver equipment training when needed
- Manage and maintain accurate records for support parts inventory

2. Develop specifications for purchasing, servicing, and/or upgrading (includes appropriate testing; work with Engineering, REST, vendors, et al.)
- Creating and maintain appropriate equipment-use/maintenance records to support planning for preventive maintenance or upgrades to equipment and/or additional equipment
- Work with users to define the need for upgrades and determine best course for completion and testing
- Work as a focal point for all imports of research equipment, working directly with sourcing and Import/export department
- Develop a network of vendors for service, in-season support and parts sourcing

3. Remain current on new and emerging equipment technology by participating in professional meetings, interacting with equipment providers, and through regular interactions with Global RESTS team members.

4. Provide logístical support for equipment movements among users and testing locations.
- Develop and refine data-driven plans to meet timelines while minimizing costs
- Arrange for transportation, as needed

5. Effectively manage assets and resources while maintaining a professional working environment that exemplifies our core values.
- Assuring performance plans and goals are established to set direction and gain/provide feedback
- Promoting effective and accurate workmanship
- Assisting in developing and managing operating and capital budgets
- Promoting and providing safe working conditions, respect for people, highest ethical behavior and environmental stewardship

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor's degree in an agricultural field is required, with at least three years of experience working with agricultural equipment - preferably research equipment. A major in agricultural engineering or mechanization is preferred but other areas of emphasis will be considered, with evidence of some coursework and/or experience related to agricultural mechanization/engineering
- Effective communications skills are essential as well as the ability to work in team environment
- Ability of problem solving and decision making
- Self-starter with the ability to work alone, unsupervised, and possibly in remote locations
- Available to work long hours, weekends, and possible holidays at different times throughout the year
- Available for US and International travel with overnight stays, occasionally with very short notice
- The ability to work in various environmental conditions, including heat, dust, and growing crop fields
- The ability to work in various ergonomic and physical settings, including lifting, bending, sitting, and standing for extended periods, walking on uneven surfaces
- Proficiency with personal computers and office software programs is essential
- Demonstrated competency in organization and prioritization skills
- Demonstrated competency with 12 and 24Vdc electrical systems
- Basic understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic systems and components
- Basic understanding of PLC controls, CAN bus and Ethernet based networks
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English required