Innovation Specialist

Position Overview & Responsibilities:

The Innovation Specialist is responsible for leading the execution of innovation projects at Christensen Farms. Innovation is a critical area of the Christensen Farms organization in our continuous strive for excellence. Curiosity, willingness to learn, problem solving, and technical skills will be required for this position. The innovation specialist must be self-motivated and collaborate with effective communication between individuals.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Coordinates and consults with a highly collaborative innovation group and support on site work to execute evaluations of new technologies and processes

• Execute "proof of concept" ideas to provide feedback on value and implementation across the organization

• Work closely with maintenance and repair on preventative maintenance and troubleshooting

• Identify issues and find creative solutions

• Produce training content, implement training sessions, and provide ongoing technical support to users of innovation equipment and technologies

• Utilize key project learnings to provide recommendations for process and technical improvements

• Ensure proper documentation of all project data and report findings to the project manager on a regular basis

• Maintain effective communication with the project managers and key individuals responsible for the success of the project

• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled team meetings

• Provide support to the research team

• Other duties as requested by manager

Competencies and Personal Requirements:

• Innovative Mindset

• Continuously strive to elevate work, seek new ideas, and work towards improving processes that drive improvements in the business

• Process Oriented- Requires the ability to recognize process improvement opportunities, collaborate to define and implement process enhancements to achieve consistent, standardized results

• Solution Oriented- Must be able to gather and analyze information skillfully and identify and resolve problems/improve process in a timely manner.

• Planning/Organizing- Must be able to manage and prioritize multiple competing tasks and demands, and plan work activities to ensure most efficient use of time.

• Follow Through

• Must possess the drive and ability to see work through the point of completion without prompting

• Oral Communication- Must speak clearly and persuasively in various situations and demonstrate group presentation skills. Must be able to interact and communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization to yield the desired outcome.

• Written Communication- Must deliver quality work free of spelling and grammatical errors, present numerical data effectively and read and interpret written information.

• Adaptability- Must excel in a fast paced, dynamic environment, and demonstrate ability to be flexible and work through challenging situations

• Confidentiality- Requires demonstrated tact and diplomacy in handling confidential and sensitive information.

Management Scope and Level of Responsibility:

• Contributors: Positions without supervisory responsibility

Reports to:

Research Manager

Education, Training, and Experience Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree in agriculture or engineering related field preferred

Experience: Previous swine or livestock experience preferred

Other Skills Required: Highly functional in Microsoft applications including Excel, Word, and Powerpoint

Specialized or Motorized Equipment and/or Tools:

This position will require operating a company vehicle and include moderate travel requirements. Any offer for this position will be contingent upon the review of the candidate's motor vehicle record (MVR). The MVR will be reviewed to determine insurability based on CF's insurance carrier and company policy.

Vehicle Licensing Requirement: Class D