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.

JOB SUMMARY: Conduct routine seed laboratory activities including germination testing, purity and noxious weed examinations.  Monitor equipment and process retests. Maintain QA variety table. If technologist is an accredited analyst, provide test result reports as required by requesting country.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Plant seed for germination tests, according to first count day and testing priorities.
• Germination evaluations. Accurately identify normal and abnormal seedlings.  Describe abnormalities, dormancy, and other problems.
• Knowledge of Purity and noxious weed exam or the ability and willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of weed and crop seed identification or ability and willingness to learn.
• Data collection such as logging samples to be tested, recording and reporting test results.
• Monitor laboratory equipment performance to insure lab equipment is adequately and properly maintained.
• Maintain file samples and retesting process.
• Maintain QA Variety table.
• Able to train and lead temporary and other semi – skilled personnel
• Attend professional meetings and workshops related to seed testing.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Experience with spreadsheets and entering results in database computer programs.
• Able to do accurate detailed work under time constraints and deadlines and able to adjust to seasonal surges in workload.
• Maintain a cooperative attitude, treating all staff with courtesy and respect

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma and additional education or experience with seed or plant quality testing required.
• Bachelor’s degree desired in agricultural science, biological sciences or related field.
• Accreditation as Registered Seed Technologist desired.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Prior experience in vegetable and commercial flower seed germination and purity testing preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Able to work with pesticides, lab chemicals and other potentially irritating substances.
• Able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time (up to 70%).
• Able to wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required (protective gloves 50% of time, lab coat 50% of time, dust masks and safety goggle or glasses 25% of the time.)
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds

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.