Job Purpose and Summary
The main objectives of this appointment will be to plan, execute, coordinate and improve stock seed productions of tomato, pepper, melon, watermelon, squash and other crops bred, produced, and marketed by United Genetics Seeds Company. In parallel, this position will also be responsible for planning, contracting, and managing production of pre-commercial stage hybrids in designated areas. The position will directly report to the VP Supply, working closely with a variety of functions across production, R&D, farming, and accounting. For Stock Seed operations, the position will be responsible for maintaining the SS inventory at acceptable level and for planning and organizing all activities related to stock seed increases, such as arranging isolations, rogueing, SS purity plantings. The responsibility for Pre-commercial productions will entail working closely with the crop teams in relation to planning and with the production functions and designated vendors to contract, monitor, and deliver requested quantities of pre-commercial hybrids.
Duties and responsibilities
- Insure SS inventory is accurate and updated with pertinent quality information. Calculate future quantities of parental seeds and schedule SS productions based on the sales forecast. Coordinate the distribution of parental seeds to the producers; select lots and quantities. Provide the farming managers and /or the SS producers with all the information (e.g., parental descriptors) and technical information required for reliable production of SS. Make timely visits to SS producers to monitor the progress; plan and participate in field inspections and rogueing operations. Responsibility for producing and updating parental descriptors and base rates (grams/plant). Coordinate the quality testing of incoming stock seed productions.
- Work closely with crop teams and specifically with personnel responsible for product advancement to plan seed production of pre-commercial hybrids (phases 3-4). Work closely with seed production planners to place the productions and secure timely delivery. Assist regional production managers with contracting and supervising designated UG resources or third party vendors for reliable and timely production. Secure that the parental descriptors and base rate estimates are made available to seed producers. Secure timely reports and facilitate the shipment and delivery.
- Participate in planning and execution of Purity Grow outs (PGOs). Secure inclusion of correct inbred and hybrid information in purity grow outs. Work closely with QA teams and molecular markers group to scrutinize the validity of molecular marker testing for hybrid purity and identity.
Position Dimensions and Qualifications
This position requires a dedicated and meticulous personality and serious attitude to achieve perfect results. Requires very high level of effort and dedication: organizational skills and attentions to detail are two key traits for successful execution of this job. The person must be equally competent and comfortable with plants and with managing databases and inventory software. Knowledge of plant genetics is required and some proficiency with accounting is highly desirable. Large portion of the effort requires coordination with others, so the candidate needs to be a team player and an excellent communicator.
Internal Contacts:
Daily contact with various Supply functions (Production, Farming, Foundation Seeds, Logistics), Breeders, Quality Manager, Accounting, and Warehouse. External Contacts: Outside growers and vendors
Educational Level and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Genetics, Plant science or Equivalent degree in the fields of Agriculture or Biology or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience and proven track record in plant genetics or closely related field.
- Some experience with vegetable cultivation and farming.
- Experience and track record with data analysis and database management.
- Experience with accounting practices and budgeting preferred.
- Proficiency in Spanish language valued.
Skills and Abilities:
Interpersonal: Develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with co-workers and external contacts and maintain them at all times. Always make available as resource to others when needed. Always display willingness to hear and execute the needs of breeders, agronomists, plant pathologists, and other key beneficiaries to improve performance. Manage time and deadlines to reinforce team work. Give full attention to requests, understand the points being raised, ask question to clarify needs. Display role model behavior and provide leadership to farming labor crew.
Communication: Communicate information and ideas clearly in speaking, writing, via e-mail and other most effective modes of communication. Conceptualize ideas so that others can clearly understand what is being requested. Listen carefully and understand information and ideas. Prepare reports and presentations concisely, logically and to the point to effectively communicate for effective execution. Bilingual in English/Spanish desired.
Technical and Analytical: High level proficiency in usage of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook is required. Valid Driver’s License required. Administrative and Operations: Ability to work in time sensitive stressful environment and drive results is essential. Needs to have demonstrated ability to set priority and focus on maximizing business results. Knowledge of related key functions in seed business: breeding, production, warehouse, and quality control.
Physical Demands: Job requires travelling, including international travel, working extended number of hours in one week as required to meet demand. Must be able to work in the field, be physically fit to walk, bend, kneel, squat, and lift equipment.
If you meet the qualifications and requirements for this position please download and submitt the application form located at our website http://unitedgenetics.com together with a copy of your resume to: recruitment@unitedgenetics-usa.com
United Genetics Seeds Co.is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. In addition United Genetics Seeds Co participates in the E-Verify program as required by law.