Seed Enhancement Manager

JOB SUMMARY: Coordinate, conduct and/or supervise priming and quality enhancement of flower, and vegetable seed. Develop and coordinate the transfer of seed enhancement technology to commercial levels. Participate with Sales, Production and Seed Enhancement staff in determining forecasts, process control and seed enhancement lead times and timetables. Interact with customers regarding suitability and benefits of seed enhancement programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Develop, adapt and scale-up research seed priming and quality enhancement techniques to commercial levels
• Actively coordinate, conduct, and supervise Priming Operations 24/7, including alternating weekend and holiday duties, along with Seed Enhancement staff
• Participate with Sales/Business Manager to expand seed priming and quality enhancement business
• Interact with and assist customers regarding suitability and potential benefits of specific seed priming and quality enhancement treatments
• Cooperate with Sales/Business Manager to complete seed priming and quality enhancement projects on a timely basis
• Cooperate with and assist existing staff in all phases of seed priming and quality enhancement duties and assignments
• Investigate and develop improved seed priming and quality enhancement protocols suitable for commercial application
• Ensure all State and Federal safety and environmental regulations are followed
• Monitor and maintain inventories of supplies
• Monitor and maintain seed priming and quality enhancement equipment
• Monitor, maintain and improve seed priming and quality enhancement processing records, database, and systems
• Document and communicate process problems to Assistant Operations Manager
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Must have knowledge and understanding of seed science, seed enhancement and seed germination
• Must have ability to operate common laboratory equipment and seed treating equipment
• Must have excellent visual, mathematical, and judgmental skills
• Must be able to use a computer as necessary to meet job demands
• Must have excellent oral and written communications skills
• Must have excellent manual dexterity, spatial perception, visual discrimination, mathematical and mechanical aptitude
• Ability to manage stress especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload
• Strong character traits required including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, and honesty
• Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements
• Must have excellent problem solving, writing and analytical abilities
• Must be detail-oriented and able to prioritize work to meet deadlines
• Must have ability to learn technical aspects of seed enhancement process
• Must have desire and ability to acquire qualified applicator license

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• BS degree in Agriculture or related science required.
• Must be able to obtain a Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator Certificate.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• Five years’ experience in biological sciences, seed technology or other areas of the seed industry required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to lift up to 55 pounds
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work with chemicals, pesticides, and other irritating substances
• Must be able to work wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required
• Must be able to work in dusty, hot and/or cold conditions on a regular basis
• Must be able to work overtime during busy times of year, including alternating weekend and holiday duties with other Seed Enhancement personnel

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Salary: $69,000- $84,000 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.