Greenhouse Horticulture Expert

Job Summary: As a key member of our team at Sakata Seed America, the Breeding Technician plays a vital role in developing state-of-the-art proprietary vegetable crop products. This position requires a strong understanding of plant breeding principles and techniques, as well as excellent manual dexterity and spatial perception.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain greenhouse plants for Brassica breeding projects, ensuring optimal growing conditions and controlling for insect and fungus problems.
• Assist with greenhouse pollination programs, ensuring timely and effective manipulation and pollination of plants.
• Collaborate with project leaders on hybrid evaluations and inbred line selections, contributing to the development of new crop products.
• Prepare, package, and label outgoing seeds for dealer samples, trials, and pathology tests, maintaining accurate inventory records.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including purchasing supplies and participating in on-station weekend watering rotations.

Requirements:

• Associate degree in horticulture or related field; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum one-year experience in horticulture or related area.
• Excellent manual dexterity, spatial perception, and visual discrimination.
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work in various weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, dampness, and rain.
• Ability to stand for long periods and maintain accuracy and efficiency while performing tasks.
• Ability to work with chemicals and other irritating substances, and wear personal protective gear as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds regularly.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary: $19.65-$24.55 per hour.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their families.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance.
• 401(k) program with company match.
• Profit-sharing program (via 401(k)).
• Holiday and performance incentive bonus program.
• Paid vacation: 10 days per year to start, increasing with tenure.
• Sick leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for the first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays, and birthday off.
• Paid family leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events.
• Company-provided EAP.
• Company-provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs and apps.