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.

Position: Quality Control Lab Manager
Reporting to: Director of Operations

Job Description Summary:

Manage a standardized seed testing laboratory for a vegetable seed company. Provide timely, accurate preparation, evaluation, and recording of seed analysis in accordance to standardized testing procedures, as recognized by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) and the Canadian Methods and Procedures, and to provide the needed solutions to fulfill customer orders with the quality information needed.

Major Accountabilities:

• Ensure and maintain compliance with industry standards; ensure testing methods and protocols are up to date according to the Federal Seed Act, the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), the Canadian Methods and Procedures (M & P), and the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA)
• Responsible for the testing of vegetable seed for germination, vigor and physical purity
• Be highly proficient in all technical aspects of germination, vigor and physical purity.
• Work in cooperation with all stakeholders and provide solutions relating to testing needs and results.
• Work with team members in the warehouse on appropriate sampling weights and procedures as well as appropriate nomenclature for species being tested
• Proper maintenance and stocking of needed laboratory supplies and equipment
• Timely, accurate preparation, evaluation, and recording of seed analysis.
• Responsible for implementing and improving established policies and procedures
• Responsible for proper use, calibration and maintenance of lab equipment
• Lead the training and coordination of technicians to ensure that analyses are performed accurately and timely.
• Initiation and implementation of continuous improvement opportunities including enhancements to safety, quality, costs and workplace environment.
• Responsible for maintaining standardized seed testing program, including design and maintenance of laboratory work cards and reports of analysis.
• Develop and maintain strong internal and external communication networks.
• Manage, direct, and coordinate personnel relations within the department, including appraisals, training, development and career planning to ensure an efficient and effective functioning department.
• Lead and promote all Human Resource Policies and Procedures
• Lead and promote all Health, Safety and Environmental Policies and Procedures
• Lead and promote all Process Quality Policies and Procedures

Qualifications & Experience:

• Maintain current certification as a Registered Seed Technologist (RST) with the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST)
• Maintain laboratory ISO/IEC 17025 and ISTA accreditation by participating in applicable ISTA and SCST proficiency testing rounds, internal and external audits
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office products
• Proficient with database applications & MRP/ERP software
• Preferred background working with agricultural business
• Ability to work with a growing team at a highly competent, professional level
• Work in an office, laboratory or glasshouse/field setting
• Occasional domestic and international travel required

Skills and Personal Traits:

• Timeliness and accuracy of delivered work
• Attention to detail, drives tasks to closure efficiently with error-free end result
• Excellent judgment and a business partner mentality
• Participate effectively in a demanding environment for results
• Ability to plan and execute budget targets and stay within those target
• Strong team player, self-starter, positive attitude and high integrity
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written) for effective supplier & internal staff communication

Education:

• BA/BS in agriculture or related field preferred
• Successfully qualified for and passed the RST exam or equivalent VoloAgri

Compensation & Benefits

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

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.

To Apply

To apply, please send resume and coverletter to hr@voloagri.com or apply directly at www.voloagri.com