Seed Production Associate

Advanta Seeds; Hereford (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Advanta Seeds in Texas is seeking a Foundation Seed Associate to support pre-commercial sorghum seed production, processing, inventory management, and distribution in the United States. The role blends field work with seed processing, emphasizing quality, identity, and availability of foundation and parent seeds for hybrid production.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in seed operations, strong attention to detail, leadership, and a commitment to safety, with the ability to work in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent agricultural experience.
• Experience operating seed processing equipment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee seed processing, treatment, packaging, labeling, and storage for US pre-commercial sorghum seed.
• Operate and maintain seed conditioning and processing equipment.
• Apply seed treatments following safety and stewardship guidelines.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure seed lot traceability.
• Prepare and ship hybrid trial seed for testing and development teams.

Skills

Equipment operation

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Data entry

Communication

Leadership

Physical stamina

Valid driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy

Tools

Seed processing equipment

Job description

Advanta is a global seed business adapting to rapidly increasing food insecurity and climate change by providing farmers with innovation and new technologies. As part of UPL Group, Advanta aims to deliver high quality seeds with excellent agronomic practices and crop protection solutions. Advanta operates in over 80 countries under global brands of Advanta, Alta and Pacific Seeds. Advanta holds a leadership position in tropical and sub‑tropical geographies in corn, grain and forage sorghum, sunflower, canola, rice, and a variety of vegetables. With over 60 years' experience in plant genetics, Advanta provides seeds technology that ensures crop performance and farmers prosperity.

Position Summary

The Foundation Seed Associate is responsible for supporting all aspects of pre-commercial sorghum seed production, processing, inventory management, and distribution in the United States. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the quality, identity, and availability of foundation and parent seed used for hybrid seed production and commercial testing.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on individual who enjoys working both in the field and in a seed processing facility. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, a strong work ethic, leadership ability, and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Primary Responsibilities

• Seed Processing & Inventory
• Oversee the processing, treatment, packaging, labeling, and storage of all U.S. pre-commercial sorghum seed.
• Operate and maintain seed conditioning and processing equipment.
• Apply seed treatments accurately while following all stewardship and safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure complete traceability of all seed lots.
• Package and prepare foundation seed and parent seed for hybrid seed production.
• Prepare and ship hybrid trial seed for Commercial and Technical Development teams for testing, demonstrations, and sales support.
• Conduct quality sampling and assist with seed quality evaluations.
• Maintain warehouse organization, cleanliness, and seed hygiene standards to prevent contamination from insects, rodents, weeds, or foreign material.
• Field Operations
• Assist with all phases of foundation seed production, including:
• Planting
• Nursery management
• Pollination
• Data collection
• Harvest
• Threshing
• Seed cleaning
• Packaging
• Inventory management
• Collect accurate agronomic observations and production notes during research and foundation seed nurseries.
• Assist with rogueing, isolation maintenance, weed control, and field inspections.
• Operate tractors, sprayers, and other agricultural equipment safely and efficiently.
• Spray production fields and isolation areas when necessary.
• Assist other seed production teams as seasonal priorities require.
• Leadership & Collaboration
• Lead seasonal crews and coordinate daily work assignments.
• Communicate effectively with both English- and Spanish-speaking employees; conversational Spanish is highly preferred.
• Collaborate closely with Foundation Seed, Parent Seed, Hybrid Seed Production, Technical Development, Commercial, and Operations teams.
• Represent the Foundation Seed program professionally while building positive working relationships across departments.
• Data Management & Technology
• Maintain accurate digital records for inventory, production, shipments, and field activities.
• Enter production data into company databases with a high level of accuracy.
• Support the implementation and adoption of new technologies, software platforms, automation, drones, and digital agriculture tools.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve operational efficiency through technology and process improvements. Safety & Quality
• Follow all company safety policies and actively contribute to a strong safety culture.
• Maintain high standards of seed identity preservation and quality assurance.
• Ensure compliance with all seed handling, treatment, environmental, and stewardship requirements.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and professional warehouse and work environment at all times.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent agricultural experience.
• Experience operating agricultural equipment or seed processing equipment.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and data entry systems.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in varying weather conditions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and willingness to work across multiple teams.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Previous experience in the seed industry.
• Experience with seed conditioning, seed treatment application, and warehouse operations.
• Conversational Spanish.
• Commercial Applicator License or willingness to obtain one.
• Experience operating tractors, sprayers, forklifts, and other agricultural equipment.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Drone License), or willingness to obtain certification.
• Experience with inventory management systems and digital agriculture technologies.

Seasonal Focus

• Winter
• Seed processing
• Inventory management
• Packaging and labeling
• Warehouse organization
• Quality sampling
• Shipment preparation
• Equipment maintenance
• Spring, Summer & Fall
• Foundation nursery operations
• Planting and pollination
• Agronomic observations and data collection
• Harvest, threshing, and seed cleaning

Working Conditions

This position involves a combination of warehouse, processing plant, and outdoor agricultural work. Seasonal overtime may be required during planting, pollination, harvest, and seed processing periods. The successful candidate should be comfortable working independently while also contributing effectively within cross-functional teams.

We are one team, for maximum impact. One team with shared goals. We all play for the team and no one plays against the team. We have a laser‑like focus on what our customers need and want, on anticipating their future needs and on how we can create innovative solutions and experiences for them.

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