Seed Production Assistant

Company Overview: Tokita Seed America is the US branch of Tokita Seed Company, a 108-year-old, family-owned vegetable seed breeding company with headquarters in Saitama, Japan. We are a growing team of professionals dedicated to offering innovative, productive, delicious vegetable seed varieties to growers in North and Central America.

Summary:

This is a full-time, salaried position based in Gilroy/Hollister, CA with some work-related travel. This role reports to the Production Manager / General Manager.

As the Seed Production Assistant, you will contribute to the foundational success of the company as a key part of seed production. You will have the opportunity to learn various aspects of seed production at a global company with over a century of history. You will work closely with the international seed production team and gain experience across several crop species.

This role includes assisting the production manager with production activities and documentation (i.e. conducting timely field visits and creating field reports), production research activities, in-house germination and seed quality evaluations, and maintenance of records, equipment and facilities. In addition, you will visit production fields to monitor progress and evaluate their performance. Occasional overnight trips will be required.

Reports to: Production Manager/General Manager

Responsibilities:

• Conduct field visits and create field reports, travel as necessary to achieve goals with occasional overnight travel.
• Assist in maintaining crop production and operations including transplant preparation, roguing, field scouting, harvest and post-harvest handling, cleaning and sorting.
• Communicate clearly with production team and growers to continually improve seed productivity.
• Maintain tools and equipment. Keep work area clean, tidy and organized.
• Assist with in-house germination and seed quality evaluations.
• Maintain organized records of activities.
• Assist with inventory and receiving as needed.
• Light computer work is expected, with extended hours as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 2 years of college with relevant major (agriculture, biology, etc), or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and GSuite, especially spreadsheets.
• Systematic, organized working style.
• Very strong ability to multi-task and balance projects at various stages simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to be self-directed and work independently.
• Ability to work positively with a team.
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds. Must be able to handle physical work outdoors, in all weather conditions and temperatures.

Compensation: $50,000 (commensurate with experience), plus the following benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• A generous PTO package and paid federal holidays.
• A company vehicle for use in work-related travel.
• 401(k) matching contributions up to 4%.

*This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be required to perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.