AG 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. Assist in all Research Nursery projects including:

1. Erecting cage frames and cages in Research Nursery

2. Hand planting of selected bulbs for Nursery cages

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

4. Hand weeding when necessary

5. Harvest of cage produced onion seed

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

7. Cage washing, storage, and maintenance

2. Act as lead person for other hourly and seasonal workers as directed.

3. Collect data from Replicated Trials. Train and actively supervise crews to grade material from each plot for various size, weight, and defect measurements.

4. Prepare tags and arrange bags for Rep Trial harvesting.

5. Count and prepare seed packets for trial plantings.

6. Participate in planting and harvest of plot trials at remote location.  Operate research plot planter and harvest sacker

7. When directed, apply pesticides to Research Nursery using appropriate equipment including tractor mounted sprayers, backpack sprayers, and chemigation equipment.

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 $22.62 Per hour and comprehensive benefits package.  For more information, visit our website at http://www.sensient.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer