Pollination Crew Member

Johnny's Selected Seeds; Albion (ME); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Pollination Crew Members for its breeding nursery. This full-time, temporary position involves hand pollinating squash and pumpkin plants, alongside other essential crop care tasks. Ideal candidates will have a positive attitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Training will be provided, making this an excellent opportunity for those looking to gain experience in agriculture. Join a passionate team committed to producing superior seeds and tools while enjoying a flexible work environment during the peak growing season.

Qualifications

• Agricultural or gardening experience is preferred but training will be provided.
• Detail-oriented, observant, and able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Hand pollinating pumpkin and squash plants with focus and dexterity.
• Crop care includes weeding and mulching with straw or hay.

Skills

Agricultural or gardening experience

Positive attitude

Detail-oriented

Manual dexterity

Punctual and dependable

Ability to work independently

Legible handwriting

Education

All levels of education

Job description

Johnny's Selected Seeds was established in 1973 by our Founder and Chairman, Rob Johnston, Jr. Today we are 100% Employee Owned. Johnny's mission is Helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service.

Johnny's is renowned for our exceptional customer service offering seeds, tools, supplies and information to direct market growers and avid home gardeners. We source, breed, trial, and sell outstanding selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally.

If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with fellow co-owners who are passionate about our mission and values, Johnny's may be the place for you!

Pollination Crew Member

Onsite Albion, ME

Position Summary

The pollination crew members work with the Squash & Pumpkin Breeding Team to accomplish peak field season tasks for our 6-acre winter squash, summer squash, and pumpkin breeding nursery. These tasks include hand pollinating, weeding, mulching, and performing other crop care as needed.

This position is full-time and temporary. This position is based on the Albion research farm and is part of the Breeding Department. The regular workday begins at 7:00 am and can last up to 8+ hours, depending on weather and given workload. Work weeks can vary but typically average 40 hours/5 days per week. This position starts on June 23rd and usually ends in early/mid-August. The Pollination Crew works over the weekend, however, there is some potential for a flexible work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Hand pollinating pumpkin and squash plants. This is a highly detailed task that requires focus and dexterity, but training will be provided. No prior experience is required.
• Vine training squash and pumpkin plants.
• Crop care includes weeding and mulching with straw or hay
• Other work assigned by Plant Breeding Technicians.

Education

• All levels of education are welcome to apply.

Qualifications & Skills

• Agricultural or gardening experience is preferred but not required; training will be provided.
• Positive attitude.
• Works well with others as well as independently.
• Punctual and dependable.
• Detail-oriented and observant.
• Ability to pair speed with accuracy.
• Legible handwriting is a must.
• Available to work weekend hours.
• Reliable transportation to drive to nearby fields (mileage is reimbursed)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to write accurately and legibly.
• Ability to bend, pull, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and repeatedly bend and crouch.
• Capable of physically working outdoors, in occasional rain and heat.
• Ability to work around honeybees and with straw mulch.
• Excellent manual dexterity.

Johnny's Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.