Senior Technician, Foundation Seed

University Of Idaho; Kimberly (ID); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University Of Idaho is looking for a Senior Technician at the Kimberly Research & Extension Center. The role involves managing fields for limited-generation seed increases, processing seed lots, and ensuring quality control with minimal supervision.

The ideal candidate will have experience in agricultural duties including planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops. A Bachelor's Degree in agricultural science or related field is preferred. This job also requires the ability to lift heavy weights and work under various environmental conditions.

Qualifications

• Possess and maintain a Private Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet requirements for driving university vehicles.
• Forklift endorsement or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Managing fields for limited‑generation seed increases across various crops.
• Processing seed lots and ensuring quality control.
• Coordinating and supervising seasonal help.

Skills

Planning and planting

Pesticide application

Equipment operation

Seed cleaning and treating

Inventories maintenance

Ability to travel

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural science or closely related field

Tools

Forklift

Field equipment

Seed processing equipment

Job description

Established in 1950, the Kimberly Research & Extension Center encompasses 180 acres of irrigated land, four greenhouses, laboratories, a seed processing and storage facility, and a potato storage research complex.

KREC provides research and extension programs that support agriculture for the eight counties of the Magic Valley. Research teams investigate disease management techniques, potato storage practices, plant‑insect interactions and biological control, and weed management practices.

Position Overview

The Senior Technician assists the Program Director by managing fields for limited‑generation seed increases across various crops. Post‑harvest responsibilities focus on processing seed lots and quality control, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintenance of the equipment and facilities. These duties are performed independently with minimal supervision and include coordinating and supervising seasonal help.

Duties

• Planning, planting, maintaining, inspecting, removing off‑type plants, harvesting, seed cleaning, seed treating, and packaging
• Arranging agreements with contract growers
• Working with the Idaho Crop Improvement Association and the Idaho Department of Agriculture to assure certification seed standards
• Applying pesticides and fertilizers
• Operating, maintaining, and cleaning field equipment including planters, tractors, and harvesting equipment
• Operating, maintaining, and cleaning seed processing equipment and forklift
• Cleaning and treating seeds
• Adhering to certification regulations and state and Federal seed laws
• Maintaining written and computerized inventories
• General maintenance and pest management for Foundation Seed building
• Possess and maintain a Private Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain within 12 months
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet requirements for driving university vehicles
• Forklift endorsement or ability to obtain within 6 months
• Ability to work nonstandard hours
• Ability to travel

Additional Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural science or a closely related field

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to lift, carry and/or otherwise move up to 80 pounds
• Ability to be exposed to chemicals and dust
• Ability to work in adverse environmental conditions

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.