Breeding Technician (Watermelon)

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for performing and/or coordinating diverse tasks such as sowing, transplanting, crop maintenance, sanitation, pollination, harvesting, evaluation, record keeping, and seed extraction for watermelon breeding programs. Most activities will be performed at the Florida Research Station and be conducted in accordance with specific directions and protocols.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Review and follow the protocols set and approved by the program leader, according to company polices.
• Assists in maintaining greenhouse plants for watermelon breeding projects. Duties include sowing, thinning, weeding, sanitation, crop maintenance, pollination, and seed extraction.
• Check on the seedlings in the transplant house, and make sure they are growing according to industry specifications.
• Check on the greenhouses’ irrigation systems and learn how to trouble-shoot the frequent malfunctions, and problems.
• Keep track, and place orders of the field, and greenhouse supplies, and make sure they are available when needed.
• Actively participates in the planning, design, execution, maintenance, evaluation, harvest, and seed extraction on watermelon field trials.
• Assists pathology staff on diverse tasks relating to watermelon disease screens. Scout the plants in the field, and/or greenhouses, for pests, and diseases, and report findings to the supervisor, and field manager.
• Coordinate with the field manager and/or his assistant, regarding chemical applications in the field, and/or greenhouses.
• Assists watermelon breeding staffs on seed inventory management, organization and record keeping. Check on the seed-room on daily bases, to make sure everything is working fine, and report any malfunctions to the direct supervisor, and the station manager.
• Performs and/or supervises labor crews with trial clean-up and with the maintenance and storage of trials materials and equipment.
• Assists with trial record keeping, data entry, and analysis.
• Oversees and directs day laborers as needed and checks their work quality. Follow and make sure that the contract crews are following all company safety procedures.
• Assists in coordinating and evaluating off-station trials.
• Assists with on-station transplant production.
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic horticulture, biology and/or microbiology.
• Strong desire to learn and improve horticultural knowledge relating to vegetable breeding and plant pathology.
• Ability to perform tasks in accordance with specific, detailed instructions and protocols.
• Good communication skills and ability to work well and coordinate activities with co-workers.
• Must have excellent manual dexterity, spatial perception, and visual discrimination. Must have ability to discern superior plant individuals.
• Computer experience with Microsoft Office software desired.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and/or related field/agricultural experience required.
• Agricultural background highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to work under different weather conditions such as extremes of temperature, humidity, and rain.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must maintain good working attitude under above conditions.
• Must maintain accuracy and efficiency while performing tedious tasks.
• Must be willing and able to wear personal protective gear when required and/or necessary.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Must be able to work with chemicals and other irritating substances.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Salary: $22.50-$24.00 per hour
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month thereafter.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• Company provided EAP
• Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps