Job Description:
Assist Farm Coordinator in the production of high quality field and greenhouse grown vegetables to the standards and expectations established by the Research, Foundation and Stock Seed, and Production teams, both internally and externally, with contracted growers. In this position, the individual will conduct activities which promote uniform and consistent plant growth in field and greenhouse growing environments, and promote uniformity and genetic integrity of parent and hybrid seed. This position will also assist the Head Technician and Plant Breeders with all greenhouse and field work.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Greenhouse management (50%)
Provide assistance to Farm Coordinator in conducting day to day activities including, raising and transplanting the seedlings in greenhouse and open field, maintaining them for a healthy uniform growth with proper and timely weeding, fertilization, irrigation, fungicide and pesticide applications etc, according to the instructions of the Farm Coordinator.
Assist with chemical sprays for the conversion of cucumber parent lines from Gynoecious to Monoecious, and Monoecious to Gynoecious.
As and when desired by the Farm Coordinator, provide support to carryout various activities for Stock Seed (SS) production in greenhouse and open field.
Provide assistance in any other growing and farming activities desired by the Farm Coordinator not mentioned above.
Assist in harvesting, deseeding and other post-harvest activities for stock seed and production activities, including cleaning the seed extraction machines between seed lots.
Help maintain drip irrigation system in the field and greenhouses, at the direction of the Farm Coordinator.
Drive company vehicle to transport contract labor, portable bathrooms, and shade trailers
Job Requirements:
Internal Contacts:
Farm Coordinator, Lead – Pepper Breeding, Lead – Tomato Breeding, Plant Breeders, Research assistant/head technician, Plant Breeding technicians, Supply Chain Director and Manager, Farm Crew and QA Manager.
External Contacts:
Contract laborers
Education Level and Focus:
High School Diploma
Possess a valid California Driver’s License
Knowledge of English and Spanish is desirable
Years and Type of Related Experience Required:
Experience working with plants in the open field and/or greenhouse, transplanting field trials, repairing irrigation lines and harvesting stock seed plots.
Skills and Abilities:
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them at all times.
Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work, and identify the best people for the job.
Ability to problem solve.
Manage own time and the time of others. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
Requires great attention to detail.
Be able to develop detailed project schedules and foresee potential problems and solutions.
Analytical mind to recognize and apply the fundamental skills and working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures necessary for fulfilling responsibilities.
Use farm equipment including forklifts, sprayers, and fruit grinders/seed extractors.
Physical Demands:
Participate in constructive feedback. Deal calmly and effectively in a seasonally demanding work environment. Working flexible hours or over-time on short notice may be required. Must be able to work in the seed extraction area, equipment shed, and fields/greenhouses under extreme weather conditions. Must be physically fit to walk, bend, kneel, squat, bend your neck, and lift up to 50 lbs. Agro-industrial and lab chemicals are sustainably used on site in compliance and in accordance to regulations.