Seed & Nursery Technician

JOB SUMMARY:

Position assists with and performs a variety of tasks in the Research and Seed Departments.  Primary jobs are planting & harvesting of research field trials, spraying chemical treatments in local Nursery, maintenance of research field equipment, and assisting in Seed Production operations.  Overnight travel (10-15%) is required to remote sites for planting and harvest operations

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Act as a shift lead person for Garlic Cracking Line at Livingston Plant
2. Ensure that all documentation and safety procedures are performed and followed
3. Maintain continual line of communication with Seed Manager
4. Perform minor repairs and maintenance to maintain throughputs
5. Supervise activities of line inspectors and forklift drivers
6. Oversee fast-paced flow of activities including truck loading and unloading, movement of bins from storage to curing, optimal use of inspectors, and line sanitation
7. Routinely operate forklift

8. Able to work 2^nd or 3^rd shift and frequent overtime when assigned

9. Assist in all Research Nursery projects including:

10. Erecting cage frames and cages in Research Nursery

11. Hand planting of selected bulbs for Nursery cages

12. Basic tractor work including disking, plowing, mulching, laying drip tape, cultivating, pulling beds, and pesticide applications

13. Hand weeding when necessary

14. Harvest of cage produced onion seed

15. Supervision of other hourly and temporary workers performing above tasks

16. Maintain inventories for research seed, tags, cages, and other supplies

17. Cage washing, storage, and maintenance

3. Travel to remote trial locations and seed production areas

4. Planting and harvesting of field plot trials

5. Onion seed field planting, seed harvesting, and combining 

6. Garlic seed field certification
7. Planting and harvesting onion seed bulbs

4. Be an active participant in all seed production activities

5. Supervise daily activities of onion seed bulb grading line

6. Milling onion seed

7. Blending and treating of onion seed

8. Inventory maintenance of finished seed

9. When directed, safely mix and apply chemical treatments to Research Nursery or Compound using appropriate equipment including tractor mounted sprayers, backpack sprayers, and chemigation equipment.Also safely handle pesticides while treating onion seed. 

10. Haul pallets of graded bulbs to storage location using company flatbed truck.

7. Participate in all other Research and Seed activities as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

1. Carry out new research projects as assigned.

2. Assist in onion seed production including:

3. Planting & harvesting of seed fields.

4. Seed milling & blending

5. Correctly determine number of seeds/pound for seed lots

6. Assist in maintenance of accurate seed inventory

7. Assist in other basic laboratory, greenhouse, and tissue culture projects.

Essentials:   

1. Ability to routinely lift up to 50 pounds
2. Accurate math skills
3. Valid California driver’s license
4. Work well with others
5. Understand material safety and when to use PPE’s 
6. Attentive to details
7. Able to travel to remote sites for planting & harvest operations
8. Supervise other hourly and temporary employees as assigned
9. Able to communicate clearly and follow verbal and written instruction in English
10. Operate a wide variety of farm equipment
11.  Physically capable of passing a respirator fit test

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Education:High school diploma or G.E.D. required

2-4 years previous ag, field, or lab experience highly desirable. 

Must be able to learn basic concepts of genetics and plant breeding.

Desirable: Bilingual English/Spanish and Basic computer skills

ABOUT SENSIENT NATURAL INGREDIENTS:

The Sensient Natural Ingredients group is part of Sensient Flavors & Fragrances Group and is one of the largest producers and distributors of dehydrated onion and garlic products as well as chili powder, paprika, chili pepper and dehydrated vegetables such as parsley, celery and spinach. These ingredients are used in many of today's popular convenience foods. The Natural Ingredients unit is located in Turlock, California.

ABOUT SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION:

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and fragrances. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, inkjet and specialty inks and colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.  Sensient is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

As a dynamic and diversified global leader, we offer an excellent salary and comprehensive benefits package.  For more information, visit our website at http://www.sensient.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer