Field Seed & Breeding Technician

Plennegy (Pty) Ltd.; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Plennegy (Pty) Ltd. is seeking a Supervisor to oversee seed planting, labeling and sowing across production, breeding and screening programmes. You will ensure proper germination, irrigation, weed control, pest scouting and accurate data collection on growth and yield, reporting to the Farm Manager/Breeder.

The role involves coordinating hand pollinations, maintaining records, and ensuring crop activities are documented and aligned with planting lists and breeding objectives.

Qualifications

• Correct filling of trays with required growing medium.
• Label trays accurately and consistently.
• Sow seeds properly according to planting lists.
• Ensure optimal germination conditions for seedlings.
• Water and feed the seedlings as required.
• Scout for insect infestations and disease symptoms; report promptly.
• Assist with land preparation, irrigation and field setup.
• Monitor and control weeds; assist fertilization and irrigation.
• Supervise trellising and plant maintenance.
• Record data on plant health, growth and yields.
• Collect yield data including weight and fruit counts; ensure documentation.
• Execute hand pollinations; coordinate with breeding program.

Responsibilities

• Collect seed from seed store and arrange as indicated on planting lists.
• Correctly number seed and ensure accurate labeling and documentation.
• Supervise sowing, labeling and planting activities across production, breeding and screening programmes.
• Monitor weeds, irrigation, fertilization and general crop care during growth.
• Scout for insect infestations and disease symptoms and report findings to the Farm Manager/Breeder.
• Assist with data collection from rows at specified times, including counts and mass.
• Harvest according to market specifications and record yield data daily.
• Coordinate pollinations within the breeding program and assist with selfings/hybridizations.

Skills

Tray filling

Tray labeling

Seed sowing

Germination care

Watering seedlings

Pest scouting

Pollination support

Data collection

Yield measurement

Job description

Plennegy (Pty) Ltd. is seeking a Supervisor to oversee seed planting, labeling and sowing across production, breeding and screening programmes. You will ensure proper germination, irrigation, weed control, pest scouting and accurate data collection on growth and yield, reporting to the Farm Manager/Breeder.

The role involves coordinating hand pollinations, maintaining records, and ensuring crop activities are documented and aligned with planting lists and breeding objectives.