About Sakata: Our mission is to quickly and efficiently meet industry expectations for quality seed, strong performance and excellent yields, as well as retail and consumer demand for delicious fruit and vegetables. Sakata Seed America was established in 1977 as a research, production and sales division of Sakata Seed Corporation. Our mission is to quickly and efficiently meet industry expectations for quality seed, strong performance and excellent yields, as well as retail and consumer demand for delicious fruit and vegetables. Sakata Seed America is headquartered in Morgan Hill, CA. Our research facilities include stations in Salinas, California; Yuma, Arizona; Burlington, Washington; Woodland, California; and Fort Myers, Florida. These facilities focus on vegetable breeding and trialing. Today, we continue to challenge ourselves to be the industry leader for innovation, quality, reliability and service. 

LOCATION: Yuma, AZ

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for the production and development of commercial crops and stockseed production in assigned geographic areas in Yuma, Arizona. Main emphasis and goals are to produce 99% marketable seed, research and explore new techniques of seed production and development, work with Growers on crop maintenance and effective field techniques, and to promote new ideas to reach company goals.  Input and maintenance of all information and data regarding crop information into company systems are essential. Other responsibilities and assignments may be asked as well.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES*:

• Responsible for coordinating and controlling the scheduling, contracting, insuring of proper isolations, and oversight of growth through harvest for all production in the assigned area.
• Aids in sharing and training proper procedures and techniques with the Growers to assure high quality seed production and good Grower relations.
• Applies for necessary field phytosanitary certificates, working with county and state government agencies to insure timely inspections.
• Assist both company and grower during transplanting, planting, and harvest periods in his/her geographic area of responsibility.
• Responsible for rouging crops at the appropriate time and preparing accurate and comprehensive rouging reports.
• Manage scouting crews and schedules to insure accurate and timely monitoring.
• Monitor crops for infestation of insects and diseases and contacting Growers and /or PCA’s regarding any unusual or unacceptable conditions.
• Supervise contract labor crews assigned to fields for sowing, planting, weeding, manipulations, or other jobs as needed.
• Maintain crop records of all fields in a timely manner, including updating crop recipes and grower suggestions annually. Maintain Accurate and timely crop estimates.
• Maintain complete records of all crop expenses for budget purposes.
• Prepare, maintain, observe, and take good notes on trials for production research.
• Work with the Branch Manager/ Sr. Area Manager to develop annual Budget. Also responsible for maintaining / reviewing budget and area expenses on a monthly basis.
• Assist Zone managers with lot budget preparation and review cost control measures to help optimize profitability
• Help mentor and train jr Agronomists.
• Work with Green House Manager to sow, inspect with bi-weekly reports in I Forms, and maintain lot integrity all FS & SS transplants placed in the SW Zone Green Houses for SW Zone Production Orders.
• Responsible for coordinating and controlling the scheduling, contracting, insuring of proper isolations, and oversight of growth through harvest for the Commercial Carrot Root Bed in the assigned area.
• Works with the Area Production Team to comprehensively review Production Reliability, Quality, and Service data and addresses areas for improvement, simplification, optimization or expansion for the betterment of our business within the Area. Recipe Review, Crop Base Rate establishment, Timely Field Estimates, Planting within Range and Seed Borne Disease Control are areas of consideration.
• Other responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of the Zone/Area Manager.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Must have good computer skills, being able to effectively use Excel, Word, and email for correspondence, along with operating other office machines.
• Must have good communication skills, including both oral and written presentations.
• Experience in operating various types of farm equipment, including tractor driving with a sound understanding of safe equipment operations and maintenance preferred.
• Ability to handle stress especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload.
• Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 7 years experience in an agricultural field required.
• Minimum of three years of field work experience within the seed industry. Experience in Brassica production preferred.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• BS Degree in the agricultural field of plant science.
• Courses in pathology and crop physiology desired.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Current and valid Driver’s license required.
• Must obtain a Private Applicator Pesticide License within one year.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to work under different conditions such as extremes of temperature, dampness, rain, dust and sun exposure.
• Must be able to work long and irregular hours during busy seasons.
• Must be able to wear personal protective gear when required.
• Must be able to work with chemicals and other irritating substances.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary range: $72,000-$96,000 per year
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• Company provided EAP
• Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps

TO APPLY

To apply, send resume to HR@sakata.com