Company Information

VoloAgri® is a vegetable seed technology and breeding company dedicated to Cultivating Global Health. We take pride in serving every customer with customized vegetable seed and technical service solutions they can count on. Our innovative seeds produce plants with increased yields, improved disease resistance, and post-harvest processing advantages while still achieving exceptional taste.

Our diverse team of industry experts are stationed around the world. VoloAgri Global Corporate Headquarters are in South San Francisco, California with our principal Operational Centers in San Luis Obispo, California and Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Additional facilities are located in Mexico, Turkey and Lebanon; and 15 trial stations are spread throughout California, Florida, Idaho, Mexico, Brazil, Lebanon, Turkey, China, Thailand, Holland, Italy and Spain. Our prized collection of seeds have been developed under several brands including US Agriseeds, Axia, Greenport Seeds, California Hybrids, Catalyst Seeds, and New World Seeds.

Summary:

To assist the breeder(s) in all aspects of field, lab and greenhouse cropping, experimentation, crossing, seed multiplication, seed processing and shipment, tissue sampling, record keeping and seed or pollen inventory maintenance in support of the Solanaceae breeding programs. 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 timely execute all assigned breeding activities related to field, greenhouse, nursery, and lab experiments including experimental design, labeling, mapping and placement. To maintain secure and accurate records for same.
• In association with breeder(s), plan and execute all crossing related activities in support of the breeding programs. 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.
• To coordinate the preparation and shipment of all seed, pollen, and tissue samples for marker analysis.
• To regularly check supply inventories and order necessary items on a timely and proactive basis or as directed by the supervisor.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Responsible for the direct supervision of seasonal labor for greenhouse, lab and field experiments.

Qualifications and Education:

• 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.
• Two or more years of experience in a closely related technical support role and at least two years of hands-on experience in greenhouse/ field operations and/or seedling production is preferred.
• 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 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 Microsoft Office software including but not limited to Excel, Outlook, Word and Access plus label printing.
• Familiarity with agricultural experimental design and simple data analysis.
• Valid and renewable U.S. driver license with good driving record with the ability to drive automobiles, pickup trucks, and box trucks.
• Must be fluent in the English language both written and spoken with bilingual skills (Spanish/English) being highly desirable in order to direct coworkers and contract labor.
• The employee must be capable of safely lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings including but not limited to: farm fields; packing houses; greenhouses; growth chambers, labs and office areas. Exposure to seasonal high temperature. Exposure to pollen, soil, plant debris and similar biological materials is common. Both local and out-of-state travel for up to two weeks at a time may be required at certain times of the year.
• Ability to work extended hours during peak planting, pollination, harvesting and seed extraction season.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team consisting of people from diverse cultures.
• Must be a non-tobacco user in order to prevent the spread of the tobacco mosaic virus.

Application

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