Seed Production Technician

S-Hand Group; Albion (ME); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Seed Production Technician to oversee the production of high-quality vegetable and flower seeds. This role involves coordinating various tasks, from seed delivery to quality testing, while engaging with both breeding and farm operations teams. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, possess strong problem-solving skills, and have a passion for agricultural practices. Join a company committed to sustainability and employee ownership, where your contributions will directly impact the success of innovative seed varieties. If you are eager to make a difference in the agricultural sector, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing

401(k) plan

Employee Discount

Paid Time Off

Leave policies for maternity, paternity, adoption, foster care

Voluntary Pet Insurance

Qualifications

• Knowledge of agricultural practices and seed production systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate tasks related to seed production from delivery to harvest.
• Participate in breeding team meetings and document varietal information.
• Provide technical assistance for crop success and maintain databases.

Skills

Knowledge of agricultural/horticultural practices

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail and record keeping

Good arithmetic skills

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork and consensus-building abilities

Ability to prioritize and self-manage

Education

High school diploma or GED

BS in biology, agriculture, or related field

Seed production or quality course/workshop

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Phenome I

Inventory software

Job description

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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 varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, along with thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We pride ourselves on the wealth of information and experience we provide our customers nationwide and globally.

We are a strong, stable company focused on growth while maintaining our small company feel and staying true to our roots. Located in beautiful Central Maine, our research farm, warehouse, and offices are situated halfway between Maine's mountains and its 4,500-mile coastline, close to resorts, parks, and harbors offering diverse recreational and cultural opportunities.

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

Seed Production Technician

Onsite, Albion ME

Position Summary

The Seed Production Technician is responsible for producing and overseeing parental line Foundation Seed for Johnny's proprietary vegetable and flower seed varieties. The role involves coordinating tasks related to the production of Foundation, Stock, and Commercial seed, from breeder seed delivery through harvest and quality testing. The technician facilitates the transfer of Foundation Seed to Stock Seed and documents critical varietal information for successful commercial seed production. The position works closely with Plant Breeding, Farm Operations, and Fulfillment Operations to ensure timely and successful production. It is a full-time role based at Johnny's Research Farm in Albion during the growing season and seasonally in Johnny's Customer Care department in Fairfield, Maine, engaging directly with customers via phone and email.

Responsibilities And Tasks

• Participate in product breeding team meetings by crop group (Cucurbita, Solanaceae, biannual crops)
• Introduce parent line identification, assign part numbers and codes for new varieties in the varietal database
• Receive and catalog variety-specific traits from breeding teams for future seed production
• Enter crop production requests in the Farm Ops Work Request Database System
• Coordinate and schedule crop production tasks with Greenhouse and Farm Operations Teams
• Provide technical assistance to ensure crop success
• Create and follow a schedule for seed crop scouting and evaluation
• Participate in seed cleaning processes
• Develop and coordinate grow-out trials with stakeholders
• Record phenotypic data and enter into research database
• Participate in protocols for virus-transmission prevention
• Prepare and submit seed lots for quality testing
• Coordinate transfer of seed lots to operations facility
• Maintain seed inventory databases
• Participate in research trials as per team goals

Education

• High school diploma or GED
• BS in biology, agriculture, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Seed production or quality course/workshop preferred

Qualifications & Skills

• Knowledge of agricultural/horticultural practices
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and record keeping
• Good arithmetic skills
• Experience with seed production systems preferred
• Ability to prioritize and self-manage
• Excellent communication skills
• Teamwork and consensus-building abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Phenome I, inventory software
• Valid Maine driver's license

Physical Requirements

• Work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Work around insects

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing
• 401(k) plan
• Employee Discount
• Leave policies for maternity, paternity, adoption, foster care
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off

Johnny's Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on various grounds including race, gender, disability, etc.