If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with fellow co-owners who are passionate about our mission and values, Johnny’s may be the place for you! Johnny’s is renowned for our exceptional customer service offering seeds, tools, supplies, and information to direct-market growers and avid home gardeners. We source, breed, trial, and sell outstanding selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally. We are a strong, stable company focused on growth while still maintaining our small company feel and staying true to our roots. Beautiful Central Maine, where our research farm, warehouse, and offices are located, is the perfect launching point for an active, four-season lifestyle. Geographically situated halfway between Maine’s mountains and it’s 4500-mile-long coastline, we’re a short drive away from resorts, parks, and harbors renowned for a rich diversity of recreational and cultural opportunities.

Johnny’s Selected Seeds was established in 1973 by our Founder and Chairman, Rob Johnston, Jr. Today we are 100% Employee Owned. Johnny’s mission is Helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service. 

Position Summary

As a Plant Breeder/Breeding Manager you will work to develop proprietary commercial varieties for the breeding programs at Johnny's Selected Seeds (JSS).  You must have an entrepreneurial spirit, be a creative and results-oriented breeder, and work to develop our product line to answer market demands while working in collaboration with the JSS Product Development team.  You may also be responsible for managing collaborative breeding efforts with other companies and cooperators. You will be managing two seasoned PhD Breeders and a staff of Breeding Technicians as well as a Seasonal Pollination Crew. The position is based at our Research and Development farm in Albion, Maine and reports to the Director of Farm Operations and Breeding.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of vegetable variety development in the breeding programs at JSS.
• Develop breeding objectives, target markets, methods, and strategies, in collaboration with JSS cross-functional product teams, to create superior proprietary vegetable varieties that align with the JSS mission and that support Johnny's customers.
• Coordinate and manage all cooperative breeding efforts with other companies.
• Maintain clear and accurate breeding records compatible with JSS data management guidelines and practices.
• Manage the outsourced molecular marker and plant pathology support functions for the program as appropriate.
• Provide genetically fixed parent lines to the Foundation Seed Program, to initiate the seed production logistics for new varieties, in line with the JSS New Product Development (NPD) process.
• Manage the off-station breeding nurseries and help coordinate product variety trials for Johnny's-bred products, along with the Regional Trials Coordinator.
• Manage the breeding program budget.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• BA/BS/MS required.
• PhD preferred, with 15 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications/Skills

• Experience with/knowledge of agricultural/horticultural practices and techniques.
• Fifteen years' experience in the managerial setting.
• Understanding of different types of breeding techniques.
• Analytical and creative problem-solver.
• Previous exposure to organic systems.
• Ability to prioritize, self-manage, and seek help when necessary.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to build consensus and function as part of a team.
• High attention to detail.
• Expert in agronomic best practices.
• Technical skill in statistical analysis.
• Ability to learn new data software quickly.
• Punctuality and readiness to work.
• Availability for weekend work hours, as required.
• Availability to work overtime as needed, often on very short notice.
• Valid Maine driver’s license or ability to obtain a Maine driver's license within 90 days of hire.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Capable of physically working outdoors, often in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
• Must be able to work around bees and other insects.
• Ability to bend, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (HMO, PPO, HSA)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing
• 401(k)
• Employee Discount
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Educational Assistance

Application

Click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

Johnny's Selected Seeds provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.