Sakata Seed America, a subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation located in Yokohama, Japan, was established in 1977.  We are headquartered in Morgan Hill, California and have facilities around the U.S. and in Mexico and Guatemala.

REPORTS TO:  Senior Plant Breeder - Fresh Market Tomato

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for assisting in performing and/or coordinating diverse tasks such as sowing, transplanting, crop maintenance, sanitation, harvesting, evaluation, record keeping, and seed extraction for the tomato breeding program. Most activities will be performed at the Florida Research Station and be conducted in accordance with specific directions and protocols. Responsible for assisting in the evaluation, development, and identification of competitive tomato varieties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in evaluation of trials. Takes detailed notes as the varieties approach horticultural maturity. Assists the project leader in his evaluation or completes the evaluation as required. May complete the evaluation as the crop further develops. Assists project leader in inbred line selections and other daily tasks. Assumes responsibility for these tasks as needed in breeder’s absence.
• Maintains greenhouse plants for the tomato breeding project. Creates plot plans and arranges crossing blocks. Coordinates the labor and manages the production of hybrid seed. Duties include the management of sowing, thinning, weeding, watering, fertilizer application, temperature and humidity control, and daily examination for insect and fungus problems. Maintains good control of greenhouse growing conditions throughout the life of the crop.
• Performs routine plant breeding tasks associated with the tomato breeding project. These include sowing seed for trials, transplanting, making pollinations, harvesting, packaging, storing seed, fertilizing and seed inventory. Maintains orderly inventory in seed vault and reorganizes as needed.
• Responsible for taking off station hybrid trial lists and counting, packaging, and shipping trials to appropriate internal or external trial cooperators.
• Assists in writing summary reports for each trial.  Provide project leader with supporting data, photos, and notes.
• Assists in coordinating the harvesting and cleaning of selections made in each trial.
• Prepares and sows seed for local field trials both on and off the research station.
• Takes every reasonable opportunity to enhance the quality of transplants before taking them to the field.
• Manage individual breeding projects as directed by the project leader.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to do accurate detailed work under time constraints and deadlines
• Must be able to keep accurate and timely records.
• Ability to communicate well in written and spoken English. Bilingual English/Spanish desirable.
• Must be able to use a spreadsheet, database, and word processing program.
• Must be able to work extra hours or weekend duty as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• BA/BS degree in agricultural related field or equivalent in work experience preferred.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• Minimum 4 years seed, agriculture experience and/or crop experience required.
• Farm background desirable.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must have valid driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must have ability to perform work in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to travel as necessary.
• Must have ability to lift over 50 pounds on a seasonal basis.
• 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 dusty, windy and wet conditions.
• Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time.

APPLICATIONS

Please send application and CV to hr@sakata.com 

Sakata is an equal opportunity employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce.

* 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.