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​PAA Job Board​

Find your next job opportunity with the PAA Job Board! We all play a vital role in the success of the potato industry. Find your next job or perfect candidate in a place that specializes in everything potato.

Open Positions

Open positions are listed starting with most recently posted.

Potato Field Representative

McCain Foods, Field Department | Easton, Maine
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025

• Position Details

  Position Details

  Position Summary

  Reporting to the Easton Field Department Manager, the Field Representative will work with a team of agriculture professionals to drive innovative idea creation and new technology implementation in support of continuous improvement goals. This position will work with growers to develop best practices and identify potato issues that may impact quality and partner with the Operations team to ensure the raw requirements match the production schedule to provide the right raw at the right time.

  
  

  Roles & Responsibilities

  • Foster relationships with our grower/suppliers that enable business development for all parties. Proactively inspect and monitor fields and raw product storage facilities for food safety, environmental conditions, and product quality.
  • Coordinate with the Agriculture Food Safety Manager for North America on McCain Food Safety Initiatives relevant to the location.
  • Extend programs to the farm and ensure grower compliance.
  • Identify and communicate key improvement areas with respect to production, quality, and food safety, to grower/suppliers.
  • Inspect, gather, analyze, and report potato crop data and field activities of contract growers/suppliers.
  • Retrieve field and storage samples as applicable during the season.
  • Proactively collect and process grower/suppliers’ field and storage records including: seed, control product, nutrient and irrigation applications & other agronomic data.
  • Drive change within McCain Foods and within our grower group as new technology and apps are adapted and integrated into our business.
  • Utilize databases as decision-making tools, recommend actions, and follow through to reach or exceed goals in managing raw potatoes into the plant.
  • Participate in cross-functional teams with our production partners to gain knowledge and drive continuous improvement in French Fry manufacturing.
  • Attend and participate in local and national agricultural production meetings to gain knowledge of current and upcoming agricultural practices. Drive the Safety Agenda in the work environment.
  • Supporting various functions within McCain’s North America Agriculture strategy, including cost savings initiatives, new variety contracting, and agronomy.
  • Complete other duties as assigned and act as back-up to team for coverage. Provide weekend and holiday coverage for the potato scheduler as required.

  
  

  Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent agriculture-related field experience. Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agriculture Business, Agronomy, or related field preferred
  • 1-3 years relevant working experience, preferably within agriculture, manufacturing and/or quality.
  • Strong leadership qualities and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to develop and nurture strong cross-functional and departmental relationships.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office and Excel is required.
  • Knowledge of computers, GPS, and smart phone technologies are essential.
  • Strong communication skills – written and verbal.
  • Valid driver’s license (current Drivers Abstract required).
  • A Safety Mindset is required.
  • Travel required within local region and other McCain locations to support Developmental Plan and business deliverables as needed.

  
  

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Understanding of GIS and remote sensing an asset

  
  

  Other Details

  Position Type: Full Time
  Salary Range: $65,500 - $87,400

  
  Apply Now
  
  

Agriculture Trainee

McCain Foods | Coaldale, Alberta, Canada
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025

• Position Details

  Position Details

  Position Summary

  The Agriculture Trainee rotational program provides recent graduates in a relevant area of study the opportunity to work within various elements of Agriculture. This rotational program will involve rotations through four key strategic pillars of growth for Agriculture at McCain – Seed & Variety, Agronomy, Field Operations, and Integrated Supply Chain. Successful candidates will rotate and spend 6 months in each below rotation (timing and rotations may be subject to change due to business demands).

  
  

  Role & Responsibilities

  Field Operations Responsibilities

  • Foster beneficial grower/supplier relationships that enable business development.
  • Proactively inspect and monitor fields and raw product storage facilities for food safety, environmental conditions and product quality
  • Identify and communicate key improvement areas with respect to production, quality, and food safety, to grower/suppliers.
  • Inspect, gather, analyze, and report potato crop data and field activities of contract grower/suppliers
  • Proactively collect and process grower/supplier field and storage records including seed source data, chemical application records, & agronomic data
  • Utilize databases as decision-making tools, recommend actions and follow through to reach or exceed goals in managing raw potatoes into the plant
  • Participate in cross-functional teams with our production partners to gain knowledge and drive continuous improvement in French Fry manufacturing
  • Drive the Safety Agenda in the work environment.

  
  

  Agronomy Responsibilities

  • Develop knowledge around full cycle potato production to support regional agronomy and sustainability efforts.
  • Help lead our data collection and reporting efforts around agronomic research and sustainability reporting.
  • Assist with planning and execution of regional Innovation Hub research and extension efforts.
  • Support research trial planting, harvest and grading work to support regional teams.
  • Participate in local and national agricultural production meetings and sustainability conferences.
  • Drive the Safety Agenda in the work environment.
  • Learn the basics of crop production financials: income, cost of production (COP) and return on investment (ROI).
  • Support NA-wide regenerative agriculture initiatives and project manage regen projects for potato and onion crops.

  
  

  Ag Supply Chain Responsibilities

  • Support a project specific to Agriculture Supply Chain Processes

  
  

  Seed & Variety Responsibilities

  • Support a project specific to seed & new variety research & approval process

  
  

  Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and/or relevant experience preferred
  • 1 – 2 years working experience, preferably within agricultural or food manufacturing.

  
  

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to develop and nurture strong cross-functional and departmental relationships.
  • Ability and willingness to utilize digital tools for analysis and planning.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to operate a forklift, tractor, and pick-up truck to perform job duties. A valid driver’s license is required.

  
  

  Other Details

  Position Type: Full Time
  Salary Range: $52,600 - $70,200 CAD

  
  Apply Now
  

Agriculture Operations Lead

McCain Foods | Othello, Washington
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025

• Position Details

  Position Details

  Position Summary

  The Agriculture Operations Lead is a developmental position intended to provide breadth and depth of experience that supports a development track for further future career movement in roles of greater responsibility. This role is responsible and accountable for all aspects of potato agricultural operations and supply activities at the local plant site. Using best in class safety principles and talent development, the Agriculture Operations Lead will further develop and build a strong team of agriculture professionals best positioned to meet the current and future requirements of the region & department while making the department an inclusive, diverse and fun workplace. You will support the use and refinement of data systems to ensure successful delivery of breakthrough initiatives and optimal potato raw material value, operational efficiency and consumer winning quality.

  
  

  Role & Responsibilities

  • Dotted line responsibility of department Field Representatives, including KPI creation and identifying development areas
  • Optimize department processes and create a more proactive approach to annual tasks
  • Coordinating sampling efforts (emergence tracking, field samples, storage samples, etc.)
  • Lead annual grower improvement plans
  • Develop and manage the fiscal year budget in conjunction with the Field Manager
  • Lead development, tracking, and realization of yearly SCA, with support from the Field Manager
  • Act as primary contact for the NA seed team on regional logistics and planning
  • Primary contact for the on-site third-party grading company
  • Lead team adoption of digital tools. Responsible for accurate record and essential data keeping in Ag digital programs
  • Support the Field Manager on development of yearly potato contracting strategy, including cost of production and contract creation
  • Support world-class safety program through implementation of best practices, including representing Ag at plant safety meetings
  • Support the Field Manager with internal and customer visits
  • Deliver breakthrough initiatives that optimize raw material value, operational efficiency and consumer winning quality
  • Work closely with the Raw Planning Manager on crop transition, the long-term variety strategy, and daily production activities
  • Manage department audits and standard operating procedures
  • Champion regional internal and grower survey action items
  • Cover raw scheduling as needed, including weekend rotation
  • Other duties, as assigned by the Field Manager

  
  

  Measures of Success:

  • Deliver on KPI’s which align to the regional Agriculture Strategy
  • Drive local regional engagement results
  • Strive for best in class use and adoption in support of Ag Digital Tools
  • May lead cross functional team or be involved in other global or Key Projects to maximize training and development focus
  • Build strong strategic partnerships with local growers
  • Candidates with flexibility in making future relocation moves is preferred

  
  

  Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or Relevant post-secondary education preferred
  • Excellent command of English, both verbal & written
  • Relevant working experience, preferably within potato agriculture, manufacturing and/or quality. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years within the potato industry and/or food manufacturing

  
  

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong leadership qualities and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to develop and nurture strong cross-functional and departmental relationships
  • Strong commercial awareness and business acumen
  • Negotiation and relationship management skills
  • Proven achievement in prior employment

  
  

  Other Details

  Position Type: Full Time
  Salary Range: $81,600 - $100,000
  Travel: Mostly local within the growing region, along with ability to travel as development opportunities & business needs require

  
  Apply Now
  

Research & Technical Lead, Farm of the Future

McCain Foods, Global Agriculture | Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025

• Position Details

  Position Details

  Position Summary

  Reporting to the Manager of Farm of the Future, the Research and Technology Lead is responsible for deploying cutting-edge technologies and advancing innovative research to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. This role requires staying current with emerging agricultural technologies and applying this expertise to improve crop production and operational efficiency through smart technology adoption and regenerative farming practices. The Research and Technology Lead will be skilled in a range of advanced tools, including digital machinery technologies such as ISOBUS, GIS and GPS systems, remote sensing technologies, precision agriculture applications, geospatial data analysis, yield prediction tools, and pest and disease decision support systems. Responsibilities include overseeing deployment and support of advanced machinery and technologies including autonomous farm equipment, variable-rate technologies for the applications of water, nutrients, and pesticides, as well as initiatives to improve soil health and crop quality management. This role involves supporting on-farm research and knowledge transfer to growers, empowering them to increase efficiency and adopt sustainable practices in crop production.

  
  

  Role & Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement automated systems to capture data related to farm operations at the field level, including machinery usage, fuel consumption, labor hours, equipment maintenance, and parts inventory.
  • Collaborate with farm staff to streamline on-farm data capture processes and support any necessary tools to provide operational insights to staff.
  • Oversee the integration of smart technologies, including software setup, equipment installations, calibrations, and troubleshooting, ensuring that all equipment and technology are ready for timely operations.
  • Lead precision agriculture data collection, management, analysis, and reporting to support operational decisions, with a focus on automating data collection for enhanced accuracy and efficiency.
  • Prepare detailed field maps, set GPS points for accurate sample collection, and maintain comprehensive field activity histories using GIS technology.
  • Supporting key farm operations, including seed sizing, planting, and harvesting, by focusing on technology automation and data collection, ensuring accurate data capture and effective use of technology.
  • Stay informed about global advancements in agricultural technology and potato research to evaluate and integrate relevant innovations into farm operations.
  • Provide technical solutions to address operational challenges, from seed cutting and seed treatment to spraying, harvesting, and storage management, implementing alerts to maintain optimal storage conditions while supporting sustainable farming practices.
  • Ensure a strong commitment to safety for both personal and team-wide protection during all activities. Collaborate with the Lead Safety Coordinator to implement safety-related apps, tools, and protocols.
  • Collaborate with Global Manager of Research and Innovation to ensure successful execution of research projects. Will serve as the on-farm point of contact for outside research partners.

  
  

  Work Environment

  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
  • Employee will be required to perform duties in an agricultural setting to include potato fields and potato storages.
  • Employee is expected to be open to workday with mixture of both indoor and outdoor work
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and telephone keyboard and talk or hear.
  • Requires visual acuity to focus on desktop and/or laptop computer screen.
  • Requires standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time, talking and listening.
  • Work demands may fluctuate seasonally related to farming cycles, especially during planting and harvesting.

  
  

  Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, or Diploma in Agriculture Technology, or a related field, with a combination of relevant education and experience.
  • A master’s degree will be considered an asset.
  • Must be highly self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to initiate tasks independently and possesses a keen aptitude for continuous learning and development.
  • Knowledge of machinery, emerging agricultural technologies, and computer programming languages—preferably open-source, such as Python—as well as experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, QGIS, and innovation management software.
  • Knowledge of field layouts, experimental design, and research data analysis
  • Passion to conduct innovative research, learn new technologies, and develop new skills.
  • Experience with potato production is an asset
  • Attention to detail, dependability, a positive attitude and ability to work well both independently and within a team environment

  
  

  Minimum to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Individual must regularly lift or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  
  

  Other Details

  Position Type: Full Time
  Salary Range: $81,600 - $108,900

  
  Apply Now
  

Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology

Washington State University
Application Deadline: May 27, 2025
Application screening will begin April 21, 2025

• Position Details

  Position Details

  Position Summary

  The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic research and extension team comprising WSU and USDA scientists over several academic units based in Pullman and the Research and Extension Centers in Prosser and Mount Vernon, WA. Washington is the second largest producer of processing potatoes in the United States and has substantial table and seed potato production. The successful candidate is expected to participate in transdisciplinary teams, collaborate with faculty at WSU as well as with state, federal, and industry scientists in the region and beyond. Potential research areas may include, but are not limited to, the etiology, ecology, epidemiology, diagnostics, population biology, and management of pathogens relevant to processing, table, and seed potato production in Washington, with a primary focus on fungal, oomycete, and bacterial diseases. The candidate will develop an integrated extension program that engages with diverse stakeholders in the Pacific Northwest potato industry. The successful candidate is expected to acquire competitive grant funding from national, regional, state, and industry sources.

  Teaching duties include a graduate level course in epidemiology and management of plant diseases and contributions to a team-taught introductory plant pathology course. The person filling this position is expected to serve as an effective mentor to both undergraduate and graduate students, and to serve as major advisor and committee member for students working toward M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to student recruitment and retention, and participate in departmental, university, and professional service activities.

  This is an 11-month appointment for the first three years, then a 9-month appointment thereafter. The candidate may supplement their salary for the additional month(s).

  
  

  Required Qualifications

  • An earned doctorate in plant pathology or related field at the time of hire.
  • Evidence of research productivity commensurate with career level.
  • Evidence of effective oral and written communication skills.

  
  

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to develop an original research and extension program addressing the biology and management of plant diseases.
  • Potential to develop a dynamic, diverse, and innovative teaching program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Ability to advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
  • Evidence of obtaining external funding in the form of competitive grants, gifts, and in-kind resources to support research and extension programs.
  • Demonstrated commitment to advancing the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  
  

  Other Details

  Position Type: Full Time
  Salary Range: Assistant Professor: $72,000 - $77,000 for a 9-month academic appointment with the option of the person in this position supplementing their salary for up to an additional 3 months/year.
  Tenure Track: Yes

  
  

  Application Details

  Application Deadline: May 27, 2025
  Application screening will begin April 21, 2025

  The online application must include:

  • Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)
  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Research and extension statement (maximum 2 pages)
  • Teaching statement (maximum 1 page)
  • Statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that addresses your DEI values and philosophy, examples of how you have engaged in DEI, and how you anticipate engaging in DEI if offered the position (maximum 2 pages; please refer to our DEI Guidelines
  • The names and contact information for four professional references.

  
  

  The application should address each of the required and preferred qualifications for the position. Combine all 6 documents into a single PDF file. For questions about the position, contact Scott Harper, Search Committee Chair, scott.harper@wsu.edu

  Apply Now
  

Saad Hafez Presidential Endowed Chair in Nematology - Research Faculty - Extension Specialist (Parma)

University of Idaho - College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

• Position Details

  Position Details

  Position Summary

  The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is seeking to hire a Tenured Associate or Full Professor to serve as the Saad Hafez Presidential Endowed Chair for the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology. The purpose of a Presidential Endowed Chair is to recruit and retain faculty with outstanding scholarly records who will provide scholarship and leadership that enhances their department, their college and the university (65%). This is a distinguished faculty position that represents accomplishment, prestige, leadership and good citizenship on campus and in the profession. The faculty selected must continue to perform as exemplary academicians and excellent colleagues. The position will participate in college and university service and leadership (5%). In addition, the Presidential Endowed Chair will provide important outreach (30%) to regional and national stakeholders, including but not limited to agribusiness, commodity groups, producers and policy makers on issues related to nematology in Idaho. Endowment distributions may be used at the discretion of the dean in accordance with current College of Agricultural and Life Sciences policies and procedures for endowed chair positions. Endowed funds will be used to support the presidential endowed chair position and research may include, but is not limited to supporting faculty, students, staff, travel, equipment, and salary enhancements. The chairship will be reviewed for renewal by the dean every five years.

  
  

  Required Qualifications

  • Earned Ph.D. in Nematology or an appropriate agricultural discipline with a research emphasis in Nematology.
  • Must hold the rank of Associate or Full Professor with tenure.
  • Experience and training in fundamental and applied nematology research.
  • Experience conducting research and disseminating research-based information in peer reviewed journals/publications.
  • Experience communicating with clientele and providing them with both written and oral information.
  • Experience working collaboratively with colleagues and clientele.

  
  

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with specialty or field crops research and extension.
  • Experience securing external funds.
  • Strong publication record.
  • Experience developing and delivering extension programs.
  • Experience in training graduate and undergraduate students.

  
  

  Other Details

  Rank & Tenure: Negotiable based on how the candidate meets the criteria
  Pay Range: Commensurate with Experience
  Primary Division/College: College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

  
  

  Application Details

  Applications received by February 2, 2025 will receive first consideration. Along with your on-line application, write a letter of qualification addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.

  In addition, your application materials must include a CV, names & contact information for at least three (3) professional references, and unofficial transcripts.

  Apply Today!
  

Yanqing District Participatory Breeding and Community Development Project

Beijing, China Research Center
Brethren Volunteer Service

• Position Details

  Position Details

  Position Summary

  Brethren Volunteer Service has an all-expense-paid (room/board at the center +$250/mo stipend) position seeking an individual/couple to work on Community-based participatory breeding activities from a research facilities located in the District of Yanqing, Beijing, China. This position is new, so there is no existing model for accomplishing this work. We seek an individual that can work across cultures, and languages, uniting farmers in a common purpose. The individual must respect Chinese and international cultures and have a natural humility while working with farmers in Yanqing District, and scientists and students at the research facilities. This position will be unique in its role, responsibilities, and undertaking, as it will require initiating a mechanism to work with farmers, scientists and students to develop a new and as-yet-untried method of working in the community. The individual is expected to bring novel ideas and have a gritty work ethic to deliver fruition. There is opportunity to do additional off-season work in the fully equipped trait/biotech lab with international staff.

  
  

  Project Details

  Duration: One Year, with the potential for extension
  Location: Beijing (Yanqing District)
  Job Type: Volunteer, all-expense-paid (room/board +$250/mo stipend)

  
  

  Required Expertise

  • MS or Ph.D. (or extensive experience) in breeding, biology, agriculture, or related fields
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with a wide range of individuals, including non-professionals, farmers, students, scientists, academics, and government officials from within China and internationally.
  • Strong team-building skills
  • Humble fearless leader
  • Innovator

  
  

  Preferred Skills

  Some may be learned on the job.

  • understanding of potato breeding and genetics, and ability to quickly assess and interpret information to develop goals.
  • Knowledge of breeding traits necessary for quality, and how to achieve them.
  • Knowledge of biotic and abiotic plant stresses

  
  

  Project Objectives

  • With the support of staff, establish a community-based Participatory Potato Breeding Program with farmers in Yanqing District
  • Utilize germplasm from the Breeding Resources Center and breeding projects with input from farmers and scientists to establish a suitable breeding project/s ensuring that all stakeholders’ opinions are included.
  • Establish and manage a breeders’ network for sharing information
  • Invite farmers (and others as required) for round table discussions on goals and achievements
  • Develop workshops for capacity training: breeding, agronomy, business management and financial management are potential ideas.
  • Develop objectives by personal interest, or as deemed necessary for the advancement of projects.

  
  Apply Now
  
  

  Questions? E​mail drarroz903@gmail.com

  
  

Questions?

Contact us at paajobs@scisoc.org