Summary

To assist the breeders, pathologists, and seed production personnel in all aspects of field, lab and greenhouse cropping, experimentation, crossing, seed multiplication, seed processing, tissue sampling, record keeping and seed or pollen inventory maintenance in support of the tomato breeding program.  Position has primary responsibility for production of transplants and potted crops including plant health, culture and related greenhouse or nursery plant manipulation.   Duties will include oversight/execution of breeding related crossing activities, field trial establishment, harvesting, postharvest fruit testing and associated labor and transportation oversight.  Position will provide training and close supervision of key technical and seasonal support staff.  An emphasis on safety will be maintained at all times.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• To plan and execute all assigned tomato breeding activities related to field, greenhouse, nursery, and lab experiments including timing, experimental design, labeling, mapping and placement.   To maintain secure and accurate records for same.
• In association with breeders, plan and execute all crossing related activities in support of the tomato breeding program.   Maintain crossing blocks in optimum condition to maximize pollination efficiency and seed yields.  Monitor status of all crossing blocks on a routine basis to assure that all combinations and seed targets are met.
• To store and maintain seed stocks and related data records in proper order and secure condition at all times.  This is to include timely packaging, labeling, organization and filing of seed packets.
• To evaluate the status of all seeds, pollen, crops and experiments daily including coordination of regular monitoring of related environmental and growing conditions.  Insure that strict sanitation and growing SOPs are followed with proactive reporting of problems.
• Scout all crops on a routine basis to determine health status.  Apply appropriate water, fertilizer and pesticides to optimize crop development while following applicable safety SOPs.
• To coordinate the preparation and shipment of all seed, pollen, and tissue samples going to outside cooperators or other locations.
• To regularly check supply inventories and order necessary items on a timely and proactive basis or as directed by the supervisor.
• To assist in all pathology, Stock seed/QA or marker operations as directed to insure that all goals and deadlines are achieved.
• To plan for, coordinate and train technical or seasonal labor to assure accurate, safe and high quality work is performed at all times.
• Assist breeder in all phases of field trial evaluations including selections, harvest, transportation of fruit, grading, sampling, fruit quality testing and related postharvest activities.   Generate reports or lists for these activities.
• Both local and out-of-state travel for up to two weeks at a time may be required at certain times of the year. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

Responsible for the direct supervision of departmental technicians, interns, and seasonal labor for greenhouse, lab and field experiments in all trial locations.

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, skills and/or abilities required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• A. A. or B.S. in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Botany or closely related technical field or experiential equivalent in an industry or university setting where seedling and plant production is the main focus. Exposure to R&D preferred.
• One or more years of experience in a closely related technical support role and at least two years hands-on experience in greenhouse operations and/or seedling production is preferred.  Similar nursery or ornamental production experience would be highly beneficial as would exposure to scouting or field trial work.
• Able to plan, direct and execute field, nursery and greenhouse operations such as sowing, planting, pruning, harvesting, crossing, seed extractions and pesticide applications.  Farm or R&D experience in same is preferred.
• Training (license preferred) in pesticide applications and related safety.
• Understanding and experience in production agriculture techniques and safe use of related equipment is preferred.
• Proficient in the use of a database and Microsoft Office software including but not limited to Excel, Outlook, Word and Access plus label printing. Exposure to using a database is preferred.
• Must be a non-tobacco user in any form or at any time with no exceptions. 
• Familiarity with agricultural experimental design and simple data analysis.
• Familiarity with use and maintenance of drip and overhead irrigation systems and associated controllers is preferred.
• Ability to live, work and travel in the U.S. and travel abroad for up to 14 consecutive days as may be required.  Valid passport and/or necessary documentation to do so.
• Valid and renewable U.S. driver’s license with good driving record with the ability to drive automobiles, pickup trucks, and box trucks.
• Sufficient math skills to calculate/convert fertilizer and pesticide rates based on label recommendations as necessary
• Fluent in the English language both written and spoken with bilingual skills (Spanish/English) preferred.

Applications

Please send application to Kim.Davis@lipmanfamilyfarms.com