What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nursery Resarch Assistant position at Lundberg Family Farms?
As a Nursery Research Assistant you will work with the Nursery staff in preparing for and executing the plan for selecting, developing, and growing many varieties of rice that support the company’s sale of existing and new products. Success in this position will contribute to the company’s ability to maintain certification of selected varieties, improve on current varieties, and provide sufficient seed to meet production requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Rice Seed Production
- Assist with planting, managing, and harvesting headrow seeds.
- Set up field infrastructure, including stakes, isolation screens, and shade tents.
- Perform field maintenance tasks like irrigation, weeding, rogueing, and scouting.
- Operate harvesting equipment and manage seed handling, drying, cleaning, and storage.
- Clean, bag, and maintain accurate inventory of headrow seeds.
Field Research and Variety Development
- Support planting, managing, harvesting, cleaning, drying, organizing, processing and making inventory of seeds from the breeding nursery.
- Collect field notes and data under instruction from Nursery Research Supervisor.
- Assist in milling, cooking and sensory tests of new breeding lines and varieties.
- Assist in greenhouse research including making cross and growing new seeds.
- Support organic field research, cover crop project, etc.
Work Environment:
This role involves working across varied environments:
- Outdoor Rice Fields: Expect highly variable temperatures, muddy conditions, and exposure to noise and dust.
- Indoor Settings: Office and lab environments with controlled conditions.
- Travel: Includes visits to production and research fields, continuing education programs, and trade shows.
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, Biology, or a related field (preferred).
- Knowledge of rice cultivation practices (preferred).
- Methodical and thorough working habits.
- Basic knowledge of computing, Microsoft Word, Excel.
- Ability to work in outdoor conditions and operate agricultural tools.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Physical Requirements
- Mobility: Requires walking and working in flooded, muddy, or uneven fields (hip waders provided).
- Stamina: Combination of standing, walking, and sitting (approximately 50% each).
- Adaptability: Ability to work in environments with fluctuating temperatures, high noise levels, and physical labor.
