Gowan Company is a global, family-owned agricultural solutions business headquartered in Yuma, AZ. Gowan's employees are part of a shared mission to help farmers improve the health and productivity of their crops to contribute to the food security of a growing global population. Gowan began as a local crop consultancy in the desert Southwest and has since grown into a global company comprised of multiple entities in various countries across the world. 

There are many perks and benefits to working at Gowan, including monthly company luncheons, weekly happy half-hour celebrations, global meetings, competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K, and paid time off as well as an annual company bonuses contingent on individual performance and profitability of the company.

Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Gowan Company

Savvy Admin PROD

**Position Summary: **

The Product Development Specialist is responsible for assisting in the development, testing, and evaluation of new seed varieties and products. This role focuses on field trial coordination, data collection, and analysis, as well as providing support for the overall product development process. The Product Development Specialist will work closely with the Product Development Coordinator to ensure the successful execution of field trials and product performance evaluations.

**Department **: Product Development

**Reports to **: Product Development Coordinator

**Key Responsibilities: **

- **Trial Management Support **:

Assist the Product Development Coordinator in planning and organizing field trials for new seed products.

Help set up trial sites, ensuring that planting, monitoring, and harvesting processes align with trial protocols.

Maintain communication with farmers, agronomists, and other stakeholders involved in the trials to ensure smooth trial execution.

Monitor crop growth and development during the trial, providing regular updates to the Product Development Coordinator.

- **Data Collection and Analysis **:

Collect and record data from field trials, including information on crop growth, yield, pest resistance, and other key performance metrics.

Ensure that all trial data is accurately documented and stored for analysis.

Assist in analyzing trial results to evaluate the performance of new seed varieties, and prepare reports summarizing findings for internal review.

Identify trends and issues from trial data that could impact the success of the product development process.

- **Product Development Support **:

Provide assistance in the development of new seed varieties by conducting research and helping to evaluate new breeding techniques.

Collaborate with the Product Development Coordinator to ensure that new seed products meet quality and performance standards.

Contribute to the creation of product specifications, technical data sheets, and other documentation to support the commercialization of new seed products.

- **Cross-Functional Collaboration **:

Work with the production, sales, and marketing teams to ensure that they are updated on the progress of product trials and development projects.

Assist the marketing team in preparing technical information for sales presentations and promotional materials.

Provide technical support to the sales team and distributors by answering questions about product performance and trial results.

- **Quality Control **:

Help ensure that seed quality is maintained throughout the trial process by conducting quality checks and addressing any issues related to seed purity, germination rates, or other quality parameters.

Assist in troubleshooting product performance issues identified during field trials or customer feedback.

- **Documentation and Reporting **:

Maintain accurate records of all product development activities, including trial protocols, data, and reports.

Prepare and submit reports to the Product Development Coordinator on trial progress, product performance, and any identified issues.

Ensure that all documentation is managed according to company policies and regulatory requirements.

**Education and Qualifications: **

- **Education **:

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field preferred.

- **Experience / Skills / Abilities **:

Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in seed production, agricultural research, or product development.

Strong knowledge of field trial processes, data collection, and analysis.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, for data analysis and reporting.

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Experience working with farmers, agronomists, and field trial teams is preferred.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects at once.

**Job Expectations / Working Conditions: **

- **Field Work **:

Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, overseeing field trials and managing seed development activities.

- **Travel **:

Willingness to travel to trial sites, farms, and other company locations as needed.

- **Physical Demands **:

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks related to field trials and seed management.

- **Seasonal Workload **:

Flexibility to work extended hours during peak planting and harvesting seasons.

Product Development Specialist

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