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: Woodland, CA

JOB SUMMARY:  Responsible for all activities that involve production research and experimental production.  Responsible for inspection of all new foundation seed material to ensure true to type inbreds and complete/verify inbred descriptions. Administrative management, organization and completion of research production projects, experimental production and nick trials in all growing locations.  Responsible for timely updates and completion of abstract reports for all experimental projects, including the distribution of the information to appropriate parties. Work directly with area managers and field personal to coordinate work activities, assisting in the development and completion of all trials, research projects and experimental programs. Work with product managers to ensure nomination and inquiries are submitted for all experimental productions. Review advancements with product managers to ensure producibility of new material prior to in-depth crop/species meeting.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Acts within the scope of authority and consistent with company objectives and policies. 
• Ensures optimum performance of the experimental production and nick trial programs.
• Develop and maintain a foundation seed library with pictures and producibility information that will be housed on the Stockseed Portal.
• Work with product managers to ensure nomination and inquiries are submitted for all experimental productions.
• Review all advancements with product managers to ensure producibility of new material prior to in-depth crop/species meeting.
• Develop recipes for all new experimental hybrids that are in the G-2 stage.
• Establish a formalized Experimental Production program and establish objectives and policies.  
• Recommend and implement techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, improve quality, cut costs, and maintain up-to-date production practices.
• Acts as spokesperson for the Production Department regarding Strategic Action Plans and Company Policy pertaining to Experimental Production.
• Assures positive employee relationships are maintained.
• Manage Experimental Production personnel

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Assist in the planning, approval, supervision and execution of all phases of experimental production and experimental projects to determine optimal production recipes and production practices.
• Interact with breeders and production personnel to establish nick trials in appropriate locations.
• Establish, monitor, collect, analyze and review data with field personnel on necessary nick trials in all production locations.
• Recommend and implement techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, improve quality, eliminate unnecessary costs, and maintain up-to-date       production practices.
• Maintain database of nick trials and experimental projects for distribution of information.
• Co-ordinate experimental production releases to various growing locations.
• Work closely with area personnel through regular visits to monitor experimental production for general crop maintenance, harvesting, shipping and handling of experimental projects and experimental productions to branch facilities.
• Interact with Tech Services, QA and Seed Physiologists both within SAI and globally to advance new ideas and projects.
• Work closely with Operations Department to monitor processing of experimental projects and experimental production to insure the completion of QA data for final analysis.
• Maintain internal contact and communication with all levels of management and production personnel.
• Assist management on any other duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Requires overall knowledge of farm/agriculture operations. Must have knowledge of the safe operation and maintenance of farm equipment.
• Computer skills, including use of Word, Excel and Outlook are essential.
• Experienced in data analysis using statistical methods and experimental design setup necessary.
• Must have excellent record keeping, data collection and reporting ability.  Strong analytical and reasoning abilities.
• Must have ability to direct the work of contract and other farm labor personnel.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Must have basic understanding of technical and safety requirements for fertilization, pest control, irrigation and disease control procedures.  
• PAC, QAL or QAC required or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
• 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.
• Strong character traits required including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, and honesty.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• B.S. degree in agriculture, biology, or related subject matter highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• A minimum of 6 years agriculture or related experience required

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 willing to drive long distances and for long periods.
• Must be able to stand and/ or walk for long periods.
• 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.

* 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.

APPLICATION

To apply, send resume to HR@sakata.com