Research Technician

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for performing diverse tasks such as sowing, transplanting, crop maintenance, sanitation, pollination, harvesting, evaluation, record keeping, and seed extraction for the breeding support programs. Most activities will be performed at the Woodland Research Station and conducted in accordance with specific directions and protocols. In addition, assists Trials Manager in coordinating the trials planting plan for Research and QA activities at the Woodland Farm. Assists in the preparation for field days. Assists in the trial evaluations activities such as collecting yield data and reporting trial results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Assists in monitoring and guiding the farming activities at the WIC Station to achieve desired results.
• Work with SSC Sunflower breeders, define a trial plan for each season and focused on the seed quality aspects of the crop.
• Provide logistics to breeders for in-station hybrid and inbred trials.
• Review and follow the protocols set and approved by the program leader, according to company polices.
• Actively participates in the planning, design, execution, maintenance, evaluation, harvest, and seed extraction of field trials.
• Assists in maintaining greenhouse plants for the breeding support projects. Duties include sowing, transplanting, following sanitation protocols, crop maintenance, pollination, seed extraction, cleaning/treating and packaging.
• Check on seedlings in the transplant house and make sure they are growing according to industry specifications.
• Check on the greenhouses’ irrigation systems and cooling system and learn how to trouble-shoot frequent malfunctions.
• Keep track of the field and greenhouse supplies making sure they are available when needed.
• Coordinate with Farm Manager and Breeder Assistants regarding chemical applications in the field and greenhouses.
• Assists plant breeding staff on diverse tasks relating greenhouse management and organization. Check on the greenhouse daily to make sure everything is working fine and report any malfunctions to the direct supervisor.
• Train and manage temporary labor as needed.
• Organize and maintain equipment.
• Oversees day laborers as needed and checks their work quality. Follow and make sure that the contract crews are following all company safety procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Assists in coordinating and evaluating off-station trials.
• Assists with on-station transplant production.
• Other duties as assigned by Trials Manager.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic horticulture, biology and/or microbiology.
• Strong desire to learn and improve horticultural knowledge relating to vegetable breeding.
• 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.
• Ability to handle stress especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload.
• Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and/or related field preferred.
• Agricultural background highly desirable.
• Experience may be substituted, in part, for education.
• Must have valid driver license.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• 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 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: $48,000 – $50,000 per year
• 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 after.
• 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

* To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable Individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

To apply, send resume to HR@sakata.com