Seed Physiology Research Technologist

Sakata Seed America; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan with Match

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Sakata Seed America seeks a Seed Physiology Research Technologist to support laboratory, greenhouse, and field work in Salinas, CA. This entry-level role focuses on building foundational technical skills and applying standard plant-science procedures under supervision.

You will perform experiments, record data, and help generate technical reports while learning quality, safety, and operational protocols in a greenhouse-lab environment.

Qualifications

• Education and training in plant science, biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.
• Must be able to perform job activities accurately and efficiently, with strong attention to detail.
• Must be comfortable working in an agricultural environment (e.g., with agricultural chemicals and in environments where temperatures may be hot or cold).
• Must have good communication skills and be willing to work both alone and as part of a team.
• Must be self‑motivated, able to work with minimum supervision, and receptive to changing work demands, techniques, or approaches, adapting quickly to such circumstances.
• Must be able to perform repetitious work in a greenhouse or at a laboratory bench for 2 to 3 hours without interruption.

Responsibilities

• This entry-level technical position is responsible for conducting hands‑on laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field experiments and routine tasks in an organized and timely manner, as requested by QA, R&D, Marketing, Production, and Operations Departments
• Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prepare samples, reagents, and media, and to perform routine assays and/or plant-care activities under supervision.
• Operate basic and standard laboratory and greenhouse equipment with guidance.
• Manage greenhouse plants used for research as assigned, including planting, transplanting, and growing different crops, fertilizer application, integrated pest and disease management, irrigation, harvesting, and cleaning.
• Record and accurately document data and observations in notebooks and/or laboratory information systems (LIMS).
• Compile experimental results, support basic statistical analysis, and contribute to the technical reports of research projects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or plant science

Tools

LIMS

Laboratory equipment handling

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Seed Physiology Research Technologist

Full Time Technical Salinas, CA, US

Salary Range: $45,000.00 To $55,000.00 Annually

JOB SUMMARY:

The Technologist Ill is an entry-level role responsible for supporting laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field operations through the execution of basic, routine technical tasks under close supervision. The position

carries out research and quality projects — performing experiments in the greenhouse, lab, and field, and recording and documenting results — in order to extensively and progressively improve seed quality

and yield at Sakata Seed America. This role is primarily developmental, focused on building foundational technical skills, gaining proficiency with standard laboratory and/or plant-science procedures, and

developing an understanding of quality, safety, and operational protocols.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This entry-level technical position is responsible for conducting hands‑on laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field experiments and routine tasks in an organized and timely manner, as requested by QA, R&D, Marketing, Production, and Operations Departments
• Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prepare samples, reagents, and media, and to perform routine assays and/or plant-care activities under supervision.
• Operate basic and standard laboratory and greenhouse equipment with guidance.
• Manage greenhouse plants used for research as assigned, including planting, transplanting, and growing different crops, fertilizer application , integrated pest and disease management, irrigation, harvesting, and cleaning.
• Record and accurately document data and observations in notebooks and/or laboratory information systems (LIMS).
• Compile experimental results, support basic statistical analysis, and contribute to the technical reports of research projects.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas, and support inventory checks and supply organization .
• Comply with all quality, safety, and regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Supervise and train interns and temporary helpers in laboratory and greenhouse operating procedures, as assigned.
• Share watering duties with peers during weekends and holidays at the research station, as assigned.
• Any other seed-biology or quality duties as may be reasonably required by the Company, QA Manager, or Manager.

The individual will work in a greenhouse environment, as well as in the laboratory and field, depending on assignment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Education and training in plant science, biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.
• Must be able to perform job activities accurately and efficiently, with strong attention to detail.
• Must be comfortable working in an agricultural environment (e.g., with agricultural chemicals and in environments where temperatures may be hot or cold).
• Must have good communication skills and be willing to work both alone and as part of a team.
• Must be self‑motivated, able to work with minimum supervision, and receptive to changing work demands, techniques, or approaches, adapting quickly to such circumstances.
• Must be able to perform repetitious work in a greenhouse or at a laboratory bench for 2 to 3 hours without interruption.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biology, microbiology, plant science, or related discipline) or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Basic knowledge of biology, microbiology, plant science, and/or laboratory principles
• Ability to learn and apply standard laboratory techniques and/or greenhouse and field procedures under supervision
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to perform accurate, repetitive tasks and follow established protocols
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and ability to work with laboratory information systems (e.g., LIMS) and/or standard software applications
• Ability to follow written procedures, safety guidelines, and quality standards consistently
• Good organizational skills and ability to maintain clean and orderly work areas
• Effective verbal and written communication skills appropriate for basic task reporting and team interaction
• Ability to work both independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within a team environment
• Willingness to learn new techniques, adapt to changing work demands, and develop technical proficiency
• Ability to manage time effectively and perform tasks under defined timelines and workload expectations

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to work in a greenhouse environment, under hot and cold temperatures for several hours at a time (30-60%)
• Must be willing to work with chemicals and pesticides, and other potentially irritating substances, such as fertilizers and plant growth regulators, in compliance with federal, state and company safety requirements and policies
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required to apply pesticides
• Must be able to work in dusty conditions and willing to work alone and without direct supervision for extended periods
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time
• Must be available to work overtime, weekends and/or holidays when the workflow demands.

BENEFITS:

• Health & Wellness:
  Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  Monthly Wellness Stipend
  Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Philanthropic Giving Program
• Disability Insurance (plans vary by location)
• Financial Benefits:
  401(k) Program + Company Match
  Profit Sharing Program (via 401(k)
• Holiday Bonus
• Performance Incentive Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 529 College‑Savings Plan
• Company-Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• Time Off & Flexibility:
  Paid Vacation
  Paid Sick Leave
  15 Paid Company Holidays
  2 Floating Holidays
• Birthday Off

*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.