Melon Associate Breeder

LOCATION:

Woodland, CA

DEPARTMENT:

Research

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for assisting in the evaluation, development, and identification of competitive melon varieties. Implement essential tasks and strategy toward improved trait combinations in parental development and in population improvement. Most activities will be performed at the Woodland Innovation Center and be conducted under supervision of the melon breeder.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

  • Develop competitive varieties to meet market requirements.
  • Assist in trial placement, monitoring, and harvest of trials on station and with growers.
  • Ensure appropriate seed quantities are available for trialing purposes that is free of seed borne diseases.
  • Maintain greenhouse plants for melon breeding projects. Duties include sowing, thinning, watering, fertilizer application, plant training, pruning and application of biological controls and/or pesticides.
  • Maintain breeding records, seed inventories, molecular marker results, pathology results, and trial data in a centralized database.
  • Direct labor crews in crossing, seed packaging, sowing, transplanting, tissue sample collection.
  • Prepare reports for the breeder and product managers based on data gathered from trials.
  • Create, coordinate, and oversee the implementation of protocols and technology required to scale up the breeding program with a minimum impact on overall budget.
  • Recommend long term strategy to guide or direct parental germplasm toward desired trait combinations.
  • Guide molecular marker and cell biology projects to trait fixation.
  • Administer breeding direction in specific market segments once competency has been demonstrated in all aspects of the breeding process including selection and crossing block design.
  • Participation in group meetings and cooperation with other breeding programs to optimize timing and use of shared resources.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Advanced understanding of genetic concepts and the developed ability to select for horticultural type. Experience in molecular markers and seed production is preferred.
  • The ability to organize, plan and communicate effectively with company personnel, public officials, growers, and dealers. The ability to disseminate information either verbally or through written reports. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
  • Computer skills sufficient to manage information in a database, analyze data to arrive at logical conclusions, and to create presentations to communicate results.
  • The ability to lead and to motivate assistants, technicians, and part-time labor to achieve objectives.
  • The ability to manage resources while implementing a plan and staying on budget.
  • Strong character traits required including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, and honesty.

 

 

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • MS in plant breeding or plant science.

 

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

  • Plant breeding experience in vegetable crops is preferred.

 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

  • Must have valid California driver’s license.
  • Must have or be willing to obtain a Private Applicator Certificate through California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Must have ability to perform work in all necessary weather conditions.
  • Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.
  • Must be able to travel to domestic and international locations for multiple days.
  • Must have ability to lift over 50 pounds on a regular/daily basis.
  • Must be able to work with chemicals and other irritating substances.
  • Must be able to wear personal protective gear when required.
  • Must be able to work in hot, cold, dusty, windy, and wet conditions.
  • Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to work with potential allergens, like pollen and dust.
  • Must be able to bend frequently several times in one day as needed for field marking, transplanting, harvest, and many other activities.

 

 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

  • Salary range: $67,000 to $77,600 USD per year, depending on experience.
  • 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