Agronomist

DLF North America is currently recruiting for an Agronomist for our operation located in Touchet, Washington.

DLF Group is the world leader in the development and sale of high-quality grass seeds for the agricultural and (professional) lawn market. By continuously developing new innovative varieties and products, and with a strong focus on quality and reliability, DLF Group offers demonstrable value to the business of their customers and other relationships.

DLF North America SBU, is one of our four Strategic Business Units. DLF employees are characterized by a high level of competency, passion, and commitment. In everything we do we act with respect, trust and integrity.

Come grow with DLF!  Join a winning team!

Check us out www.dlf.com (Global) & www.us.dlf.com (USA) & www.ca.dlf.com (CA) & visit our careers page at careers.dlf.com.

About the job

The Agronomist – Entomology Focus contributes to the company’s research and development efforts by leading innovative projects related to insect and nematode resistance in plants. This position applies scientific expertise in entomology, crop improvement, and pest management to develop, test, and refine methods for evaluating pest resistance and plant response. The role is a blend of hands-on field and greenhouse work, experimental design, and collaboration across R&D teams to advance the company’s genetic pest resistance initiatives.

The Agronomist will design and lead research efforts focused on improving genetic pest resistance in crops. This includes developing and validating protocols for pest resistance screening, conducting field and controlled-environment studies, and analyzing data to inform breeding and product development. This role will combine technical expertise with strong leadership and project management skills to drive innovation and support the company’s long-term research goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, execution, and evaluation of experiments related to genetic pest resistance in crops.
• Develop and implement new protocols and testing methods for screening plants against key insect and nematode pests.
• Conduct field, greenhouse, and laboratory research to assess plant-pest interactions and resistance mechanisms.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, and prepare clear reports and recommendations for research and breeding teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional R&D staff, including entomologists, pathologists, geneticists, and breeders, to integrate findings into broader product development pipelines.
• Monitor field plots and greenhouse experiments, making detailed observations on pest behavior, plant health, and treatment efficacy.
• Participate in or lead field activities such as planting, sampling, and data collection alongside research and field crews.
• Stay current on advancements in entomology, nematology, and pest-resistant crop research; recommend innovative approaches and technologies to enhance research outcomes.
• Contribute to strategic planning, project design, and workload prioritization within the R&D team.
• Ensure compliance with company safety procedures and research protocols.
• Assist with alfalfa breeding projects related to drought and salt tolerance.

• Assist with various duties as needed.

 Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Entomology, Crop Science (with focus on Entomology), or a related field.
• Two to five years of experience in field or greenhouse research, crop improvement, pest management, or applied entomology.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting experiments and analyzing biological or agronomic data.
• Experience in project leadership, research planning, and team coordination.
• Strong foundation in entomology, nematology, and plant-insect interaction research.
• Working knowledge of experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to innovate and develop new methodologies for pest resistance testing.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across scientific disciplines.
• Competency in Microsoft Office, data management tools, and other relevant research software.
• Ability to work effectively in both field and controlled-environment settings.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in both field and laboratory settings, often under variable weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform tasks that involve bending, standing, and walking for extended periods.
• May involve operating small field or laboratory equipment.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required for certain activities.

Compensation and Benefits:

DLF USA Inc. offers a compensation plan that includes a salary range of $80,000 - $85,000 per year (depending on experience), benefits that include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, bonus available, retirement savings plan with company contribution, paid holidays, vacation, and personal days. Compensation will be based on experience.

Why work for DLF?

We do good things! Grass is more than just a pretty sight – it helps fight climate change by trapping carbon and preventing soil erosion, making it a vital ally in preserving the environment. Grass acts as a natural filter, purifying water and improving air quality, while also providing essential habitats for diverse wildlife, showcasing its crucial role in supporting biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems. Grass feeds animals. Grass produces oxygen. Just a few reasons.... and many more! Check us out!

If you meet the above qualifications and are interested in joining our DLF team, please send your resume and cover letter highlighting your talent and why you fit this role to https://careers.dlf.com. Please choose this role under the North America careers.

We thank all applicants who apply for this position but advise only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. DLF is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities will be provided upon request during the recruitment, assessment, selection, and placement process. Alternate format available upon request.