Agronomist - Foundation

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Manage alternative s-line growing locations to achieve and exceed yield and quality targets.
• Provide agronomic assessments and recommendations to achieve highest possible yield.
• Travel to required off-site and out of state field locations to carry out operations including off-season location in Lajas, Puerto Rico
• Assist plant operations of foundation seedstock for drying, storage, cleaning, treating, packaging, and warehousing at location.
• Maintain seed genetic purity and integrity of multiple concurrent projects by using best practices, highest standards and attention to detail.
• Participate in safety efforts for all assigned areas and sites.
• Support continuous improvement through involvement in the Process Improvement initiatives, seek creative and original ways to improve yields, quality, and costs.
• Manage local budgets and monitor expenses to budget and act according to management directives and other cost savings measures.
• Works effectively as a team member with others to ensure that company goals and deadlines are met. 
• Assist foundation site manager for all stages of field operations including field preparation, crop management and equipment maintenance.
• Perform field operations to meet project defined metrics and timelines including but not restricted to:
  • field preparation, planting
  • Data collection: i.e. germination notes, emergence, stand counts, flowering notes
  • harvesting and seed cleaning
• Operate and perform basic maintenance on farm equipment such as tractors, planters, mowing equipment, irrigation equipment, harvest equipment and combines.
• Carry out all activities according to RiceTec QMS quality standards.
• Maintain open and clear communication of project progress and results to supervisor.
• Use critical thinking skills to access project progress and recommend adjustments to plan.
•  Over-seeing and directing hourly employees.
• Other duties as assigned. 
• On-site work required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or Plant Science related field and 1-2 years of seed production experience preferred
• Must be able to work in hot, humid conditions for extend periods.
• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Must be able to travel throughout US and territories.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver License.
• Must possess or obtain a Texas Department of Agriculture Pesticide license within first six months of employment.  Must maintain this license for the duration of employment.

OTHER SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Knowledge of rice production and agronomics
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint
• Ability to operate seed plants preferred to optimize bulk to finished product conversion
• Mechanical aptitude to work with field/plant equipment
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
• Results/detail orientation and the ability to work with a sense of urgency
• Strong written and oral communication skills, ability to present and convince/direct with diplomacy
• Can manage and navigate conflicts with growers and employees to sound solutions
• Strong team work/networking skills to work across multiple groups of people
• Highly effective resources management, time management, and well organized

Work Environment:

Expected to perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and physical requirements of this role with or without reasonable accommodation within the described work environment.

• Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking level and unleveled surfaces for periodic periods throughout the day including flooded rice fields. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. Must be able to lift 50-pound bag of seed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work and training locations may include office and warehouse environments.  May also include dry, muddy, or flooded fields, and other outside environmental situations including extreme heat/cold, rainy or sunny conditions.

RiceTec, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.