Breeding Assistant

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The R&D Breeding Assistant will collaborate closely with the R&D Breeder and R&D Field Manager to support various trial stages and ensure successful project delivery. Have a positive attitude and communicate effectively and offer feedback to the R&D Team. The ideal candidate is trustworthy, has strong work ethic, self-starter and work with minimal supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work proactively with the R&D team to find solutions and take necessary actions to solve or minimize potential challenges.
•  Collaborate with R&D Breeder and R&D Field Manager to ensure environment superior quality of crops and timing.
• Using best farm practices to deliver the ideal crop. These practices include (but are not limited to) proper nutrition, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop (site-specific) crop management plans.             
• Guide the growing process for designated crops and trials including sowing, transplanting, irrigation, fertilizer, plant growth regulator application, plant maintenance, insect and disease management, and crop schedule.
• Make a proper pesticide schedule, records and spray pesticides accordingly.
• Develop and maintain IPM program (facilitate spray applications as needed, determine pest thresholds, determine preventative IPM program).
• Proactively monitor the plants to early detect deviations and diseases (fungi, insects, viruses, bacteria, stretched growth, etc.).
• Using a climate control system to operate an optimal environment for the plants (temperature, humidity, day length, and assimilation lighting).
• Maintain R&D facilities and control greenhouses to ensure consistent crop quality.
• Safely and efficiently operate/maintain a variety of vehicles, trucks, tractors, and field management machines etc.
• Review maintenance records, and work orders, and manage materials and supplies. Request service and order supplies as needed.
• Review general laborers' time records for proper ins and outs.
• Following and accept additional instructions from NSA director (and vice director) and R&D breeder

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOBS

• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without visa support.
• Has a valid driver’s license.
• English and Spanish (Required)

• Working knowledge of plant physiology and growing techniques.
• Experience growing potted and/or soil-growing plants in an R&D environment desirable.
• Must have experience applying pesticides and the ability to acquire and maintain a pesticide applicator’s license.
• Has worked in field/greenhouse and knows potential allergens; pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the houses.
• Excel, words (MS office program)

EXPERIENCE

• Has 3-5 years of experience in agriculture-related fields.
• Knows how to maintain and repair greenhouse, screenhouse, and fieldhouses.
• Has pesticide handling/applicator license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Capable of working long hours standing or sitting during time-critical periods of the growing season.
• Capable of lifting 40 pounds
• Capable of working in high or low-temperature conditions in a field or greenhouse.
• Continuous sit, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stand and walk; grasp with hands and fingers
• Frequent bend, twist, push, pull, climb, squat, crawl, kneel, and drive
• Continuous use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; see (including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus), hear and speak; key (i.e., computer, calculator, telephone)
• Approximately 40% of the time performing job duties is spent in a temperature controlled greenhouse.
• Approximately 40% of the time performing job duties is spent outdoors
• Approximately 20% of the time is spent on the computer and indoors within a standard office environment
• Working ratio for field work and office work can be adjusted depending on seasons and projects being undertaken.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to the risk of electric shock.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The temperature of the work environment is mostly moderate but can ranges from 40 – 90 degrees

BENEFITS

• Paid medical and dental insurance
• Paid time off, Sick hours

SCHEDULE

• Monday through Friday. 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Some overtime may be required.

Nong Woo Seed America is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practice for reasons of gender, sexual orientation, age, race, color, religion, national origin, marital or veteran status, disability or other legally protected status