Breeding Technician

Industry:

Company: Sakata

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for assisting in the evaluation and development of competitive spinach varieties. Implement essential tasks and strategy toward improved trait combinations in parental development and in population improvement. Most activities will be performed at Burlington, WA site and be conducted under supervision of the spinach associate breeder. Heavy emphasis will be on management of seed inventory (computerized database work and library-style storage) and implementing sowing and harvesting projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Processing, tracking, storage, labeling, and management of seed and plant inventory.
• Assist in trial placement, monitoring, and harvest of projects on and off station.
• Maintain greenhouse and field plants for breeding projects. Duties include sowing, thinning, watering, fertilizer application, plant training, pruning and application of biological controls and/or pesticides.
• Maintain breeding records, seed inventories, pathology results, and trial data in a centralized database.
• Direct labor crews in seed packaging, sowing, transplanting, tissue sample collection.
• Create, coordinate, and oversee the implementation of protocols and technology required to scale up the breeding program with a minimum impact on overall budget.
• Participation in group meetings and collaboration with other breeding programs to optimize timing and use of shared resources.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Familiarity with genetic concepts and principles of plant propagation.
• Experience in molecular markers and seed production is preferred.
• The ability to organize, plan and communicate effectively with company personnel, public officials, growers, and dealers. The ability to disseminate information either verbally or through written reports.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Japanese preferred.
• Computer and keyboarding skills to manage information in a database, analyze data to arrive at logical conclusions.
• The ability to lead and to motivate part-time labor to achieve objectives.
• The ability to manage resources while implementing a plan and staying on budget.
• Strong character traits are required that include emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• BS in plant breeding, agricultural science, or related subject OR AA in a related subject with 2 years’ experience.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• Plant breeding experience in vegetable crops is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to obtain, maintain, and use a Washington State pesticide applicator license.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must have ability to perform work in all necessary weather conditions.
• Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.
• Must be able to lift over 50 pounds regularly/daily.
• Must be able to work with chemicals and other irritating substances.
• Must be able to wear personal protective gear when required.
• Must be able to work in hot, cold, dusty, windy, and wet conditions.
• Must be able to stand and/or walk for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to work in areas crowded with plants without frequently damaging them.
• Must be able to work with high levels of potential allergens, like pollen and dust.
• Must be able to bend frequently several times in one day as needed for field marking, transplanting, harvest, and many other activities.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Salary: $21-24 per hour
• 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 thereafter.
• 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 perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.