Farm Technician I – Customer Support

Farm Technician I – Customer Support

Position Summary  

The Farm Technician I – CC primary position is a role that supports the Research and Production team in growing and maintenance of variety trials, breeding workshops, and seed production crops at the Albion Research facility and surrounding contracted fields during the growing season. During the off-season, this position requires rotating to the Fairfield Contact Center as a Customer Support Specialist. This is a full-time, hourly position, reporting to the Assistant Farm Manager and rotating to the Contact Center in the off season. The start date for this role is approximately August, and the starting wage is $17.51 with the chance of an .80 cent stipend upon transfer to the Contact Center.

Position Responsibilities 

While working with the Research and Production team, you will be responsible for various farm production tasks such as planting, irrigation, weed control, pest management, crop maintenance, harvest, seed cleaning, and other special projects and duties as assigned. It is important that all assignments are completed correctly and on time. Many of these tasks will involve working in a repetitive process environment. You will communicate feedback to your supervisor about production needs and participate in mandatory morning meetings. Safety is a top priority, so you must have high expectations for safe equipment operation and facility maintenance. This position may require working overtime and weekends as needed. Completion of all necessary training is mandatory. At the end of the season, work will include cleaning fields, equipment, and facilities before transitioning to the Contact Center.

When you rotate to the Contact Center, you are responsible for providing professional and high-quality customer service with a focus on guiding our commercial farmers and home gardeners. This position is key to the success of our customers and Johnny's Selected Seeds. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated team player with an aptitude for finding the right solutions to customers' needs.

Qualifications & Skills  

• Minimum of one season as a Seasonal Farm crew member (or equivalent experience), or existing full-time employment in another department at JSS. 

• Applied knowledge of organic and sustainable farming operations.

• Previous participation in basic tractor and tool training. Training can occur after hiring, with the manager's approval.

• Participation in training/educational efforts to stay current with job responsibilities.

• Participation in specialized production team(s), as needed.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and other basic computer applications.

• Thorough understanding of key Johnny's research farm enterprises and systems.  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, dependability, and strong work ethic.  

• Basic computer and math skills are required.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills. 

• Analytical and creative problem solver.  

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and productive environment. 

• Hold a valid Maine driver's license. 

• Ability to operate pallet jacks.

• Ability to follow processes and detailed instructions

• Working in a safe and effective manner is required.

• Able to maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a positive and professional manner with internal and external customers.

• Ability to respect the core values of the company and comply with the company's policies and procedures.

• Proven ability to learn difficult information quickly.

• Deliver a superior experience to our customers and strive for one-call resolution.

• Ability to handle 50 calls per day.

• Provide accurate and timely responses to our customers through multiple channels.

• Support customers to resolve problems including order status questions, and other concerns and issues

Physical Requirements

• Ability to read, count, and write to accurately complete all documentation.

• Ability to work in less than ideal weather conditions.

• Agility to work and navigate on uneven, rocky ground.

• Ability to bend, pull, push, and lift up to 70 lbs. repetitively.

• Ability to climb stationary ladders.

• Ability to stand/walk for up to 8 hours per day 

• Ability to sit at a computer for at least 75% of the workday.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (PPO, HSA)

• Dental & Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (Medical & Dependent Care)

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing

• 401(k)

• Employee Discount

• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave

• Company Paid Life Insurance

• Voluntary Life Insurance

• Voluntary Pet Insurance

• Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Paid Time Off & Float Holidays

• Paid Holidays

• Educational Assistance

Johnny's Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.