PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

In accordance with the business strategy defined by the AMPA Breeding Lead and the Pepper Leadership Team, the sweet pepper breeder will define and execute the breeding methodology for sweet pepper to create innovative and competitive varieties for assigned target markets.

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

Provides the company with new sweet pepper hybrids in his/her target market segments by searching for the appropriate genetic resources and implementing the best technologies and methods available.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Under the Pepper Breeding coordinator and the AMPA Breeding Lead, define the breeding strategy and develop a genetic improvement program to create new and original varieties in line with market needs.
• Coordinate the implementation of a competitive breeding program through a network of breeding stations and screening sites and leveraging current research technologies.
• Undertake objective phenotyping of genetic material placed in the different targeted markets and analyze results using statistical tools.
• Ensure the provision of uniform and stable basic seed.
• Maximize collaboration amongst HM.Clause pepper breeding team for trait exploitation, germplasm development and technology deployment
• Maximize the use of all resources allocated to the breeding program(s): human, technical, budget
• Remain abreast of scientific and technological developments in field of expertise and monitor the position of competitor's products.
• Extensive travel within Mexico, United States, Latin America, Europe and other areas as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

May manage breeding assistants and/or assist with the management of seasonal or temporary workers.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Strategic Planning and Analysis - Ability to manage multiple projects, with the result in mind. Have a good capacity for analysis and attention to detail with the ability to detect subtle differences between plants. Ability to design a breeding scheme based on multiple and complex information sources. Ability to bring new ideas to the table and make proposals.

Technical Skills - Experience with collecting and analysing experimental data; genetic statistics and experimental design. Ability to use operational IT Breeding system, Microsoft products such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint; as well as other internal data base programs. Experience with field and greenhouse work. Capacity to lead a professional team in order to attain objectives. Good project management skills needed. Spanish language fluency required; English fluency highly desired and fluency in French a plus.

Interpersonal Skills - Possess strong communication skills. Ability to develop and maintain productive work relationships with various positions within the organization. Ability to interact with internal partners such as the farm operations team, the labs, the development teams (Product Development & Product Management), the Seed Supply Manager, and other breeding teams. Ability to interact with external partners such as public research personnel, farmers, crop committees, and universities. Open minded, possessing the ability to collaborate with others. Ability to train and manage seasonal workers.

Teamwork - Team player with a positive attitude, and the ability to facilitate teamwork among colleagues and staff. Ability to manage large projects with multiple partners worldwide. Willingness to cooperate, and openly share information with lab researchers. Ability to share resources with other breeders, operations, and labs.

Judgment - Exhibit sound and accurate judgment. Accept personal responsibility for task fulfillment and job performance. Ability to disclose any mistakes made, with the awareness of the consequences of making mistakes, and the threat any mistake may pose to the breeding program.

Professionalism - Highly self-motivated individual, with a high level of time management and organizational skills. Well-organized, committed, accurate and thorough with attention to detail. Must possess rigorous scientific manner and practices.

Adaptability - Ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Ability and willingness to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions. Must be available for frequent travel within Mexico, the United States, and abroad as reguired.

Dependability - Reliable and consistent attendance and punctuality. Ability to work in an independent and self­ directed manner and ensure work responsibilities are covered.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Master's Degree in Agronomic or Biological Science with specialization in Plant Breeding or Genetics; PhD desired.
• Minimum 4 to 5 years' experience in breeding or experimental breeding program management.
• Must be proficient in Spanish; proficiency in English desired and French a plus.

Miscellaneous:

• Reports to: EMEA Pepper Breeding Coordinator
• Supervisory responsibilities may include: Research Assistants, Research Aides, seasonal workers
• Status: Exempt
• Internal relations: All employees of HM.Clause
• External relations: Public researchers, universities, farmers, Crop Committee
• Other indicators : Extensive travel, both domestic and international, required

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee may be driving cars, trucks, forklifts, or other equipment. This position will be exposed to adverse weather conditions. The employee may need to walk on uneven ground, work near equipment or machinery. The noise level that is typical of this work environment is moderate.

Applications

To apply, send CV and cover letter to Carla Garcia at carla.garcia@hmclause.com