USAgriseeds is a breeding company focused on the creation of vegetable seed crops for open-field cultivation. Based in Woodland, CA it is an integral part of Axia Vegetable Seeds Group, headquartered in the Netherlands. The company, founded over 20 years ago has been highly successful in the creation and development of cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, melons, watermelons, and squash. Our breeders and scientists are applying the latest cutting-edge technology, creating new and exciting varieties for farmers all over the world. We are dedicated to improving farmers’ businesses with superior seed varieties and technical support, helping them build sustainable and profitable business. With the support of all our employees, we strive to create better and healthier lives for our clients and the world they feed.  Better seeds for better vegetables “Sowing Your Future”.

Job Title:  Stock Seed Manager

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Production Manager

Location: Woodland, CA

Job Summary:

The successful candidate will bring experience and talents to establish a world class small increase program for stock seed and breeding program advancement. We are seeking a candidate with proven leadership skills with field operations and business leaders with potential to grow into more senior roles within production and operations. Ability to rapidly assess and determine short- and long-term plans to improve or establish new processes, procedures and technology. Strong business acumen and ability to positively communicate and influence business strategy.

The Stock Seed Manager will be responsible for seed production of elite stock seed and stock seed from breeders foundation seed on the US Agriseeds Inc. Farm as well as various other locations around the world. The position will include coordination, communication and planning with the USAgriseeds Inc. research staff at the location and various other breeders at other breeding locations of USAgriseeds Inc. to determine a production plan of stock seed. The Stock Seed Manager will be in close communication with the management of the Yolo farm as well as various trusted growers around the world to accomplish the Stock seed production objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for supervision of all USAgriseeds, Inc. stock seed technicians in California and Mexico
• Responsible for budgeting and planning of stock seed production on our own farms
• Sowing, transplanting, crop monitoring, harvesting, threshing and/or washing and drying stock seed increases
• Working with net houses, shade houses, greenhouses, drip irrigation, pesticide applications, and any task necessary to produce the stock seed increases
• Record keeping, software skills including but not limited to Microsoft outlook, office, ERP system ABS, and various other programs
• Store and always maintain seed stocks and related data records in proper order and secure condition. This includes timely packaging, labeling, organizing, and filing of seed packets
• Evaluate the status of all seeds, pollen, crops and stock seed increases daily including coordination of regular monitoring of related environmental and growing conditions
• Ensure that strict sanitation and growing SOPs are followed with proactive reporting of problems
• Scout all crops on a routine basis to determine health status
• Regularly check supply inventories and order necessary items on a timely and proactive basis or as directed by the supervisor
• Prepare stock seed and supporting documentation for shipment to growers
• Communicate with the Production Assistant and Production Manager on a regular basis to inform of progress, status, and planning
• Work closely with the farm manager to accomplish all tasks at the Woodland station
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal skills with breeders, research staff, production staff, and field workers
• Responsible for Woodland Farm infrastructure maintenance and improvement projects

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Responsible for the direct supervision of USAgriseeds, Inc. stock seed technicians in Woodland and Culiacan Mexico, Oversight of the labor crews supervised by the stock seed technicians.
• Plan for, coordinate, and train technical or seasonal labor to ensure accurate, safe, and high-quality work is performed at all times.

Work Environment:

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.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to talk and hear
• Active position requiring standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching.
• Ability to routinely lift and/or transport items over 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week. The position requires the ability to work extended hours during peak planting, pollination, harvesting and seed extraction season in accordance with business needs.

Travel:

Both local and out-of-state travel for up to two weeks at a time may be required at certain times of the year.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, plant science, biology, or a related field
• Ten 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
• Ability to plan, direct, and execute field, nursery, and greenhouse operations such as sowing, planting, pruning, harvesting, crossing, seed extractions and pesticide applications
• Training (license preferred) in pesticide applications and related safety
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software including but not limited to Excel, Outlook, Word, and Access plus label printing
• Valid and renewable U.S. driver license with good driving record with the ability to drive automobiles, pickup trucks, and box trucks.
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a diverse team environment
• Demonstrated ability to write and speak English
• Basic understanding of equipment maintenance
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) highly desirable in order to direct coworkers and contract labor
• Understanding and experience in production agriculture techniques and safe use of related equipment is preferred

Qualifications,Skills and Personal Traits:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong analytical and computer skills
• Strong team player, selfstarter, positive attitude, and high integrity
• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written)
• Attention to detail, drives tasks to closure efficiently with errorfree end results.

USAgriseeds Inc. Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package
• Medical & dental insurance
• Section 125 Dependent Care plans, 401(k) Plan
• Vacation, sick and holiday time off

Work Authorization: 

Must provide proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Other Duties: 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

To apply

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online,

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.