Breeding Technician I CC – Pepper

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 selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally.

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

Breeding Technician I CC - Pepper

Onsite Albion, ME

Position Summary

The Breeding Technician I - Pepper position assists the Solanaceous breeder in coordinating and executing the yearly breeding cycle, including management of field & greenhouse operations, coordination of logistics with other departments, data collection, and leading seasonal workers. The ideal candidate will be research-oriented with a strong interest in agriculture and crop improvement. This position is full-time and does rotate to the Contact Center in the off season for two days a week, the other three days remain onsite.

Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of breeding program logistics and activities, including seeding, transplanting, field & greenhouse maintenance, hand pollinations, harvest, seed extraction and cleaning, quality evaluations, etc.
• Assist in data collection in field and greenhouse using hand-held device
• Manage seed storage and organization, including maintaining physical inventory and using the breeding database software for digital record-keeping
• Lead and train seasonal employees
• Acquire and maintain department supplies
• Participate in department and crop-specific team meetings
• Support efforts in molecular marker testing by collecting leaf tissue samples and data manipulation
• Continue training/educational efforts to obtain new skills as required to stay current with the program
• Potentially travel to offsite nurseries in other states for seed extraction and data collection
• Assist in other projects and perform other duties when needed
• Provide professional and high-quality customer service
• Self-motivated
• Find the right solutions to customers' needs

Education

• High school diploma or GED required
• One or more years of relevant agriculture or research experience is preferred

Qualifications & Skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy, in both hands-on tasks and record keeping
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel
• A work style comfortable with repetitive hands-on activities in the field and in the greenhouse
• Able to work effectively on own or as part of a team
• Crew management experience is desirable
• Availability to work extended hours and varied days during peak times in the season
• Availability to travel to offsite nurseries and/or conferences
• Brings a positive attitude to the job and enjoys working with a diverse group of people
• Enthusiastic interest in peppers (sweet and hot)
• Valid Maine driver's license
• Ability to follow processes and detailed instructions
• Working in a safe and effective manner is required.
• Able to maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a positive and professional manner with internal and external customers.
• Ability to respect the core values of the company and comply with the company's policies and procedures.
• Proven ability to learn difficult information quickly.
• Deliver superior experience to our customers and strive for a one-call resolution.
• Ability to handle 50 calls per day.
• Provide accurate and timely responses to our customers through multiple channels.
• Support customers to resolve problems including order status questions, and other concerns and issues

Physical Requirements

• Abe to work in farm fields and greenhouse for extended periods of time including in less-than-ideal weather conditions
• Able to work and navigate on uneven, rocky ground
• Able to sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time
• Able to perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods of time
• Excellent manual dexterity
• Capable of frequent bending and occasional heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs)
• Able and willing to follow all PPE and safety protocols in seed cleaning facilities, seed vaults, farm fields, greenhouse, and seed production cages
• Able and willing to work in proximity to farm machinery and other farming related activities under safety protocols
• The ability to sit at a computer for at least 75% of the workday.

Benefits:

• Customary Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing
• 401(k)
• Employee Discount
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Educational Assistance

Johnny's Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.