What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Assistant position at WinGen, LLC.?
Operations Assistant – WinGen, TX
WinGen Plants is a small multinational plant breeding and product development company based in Austin, Texas, USA. We are part of a large international horticultural network and are dedicated to the breeding and development of novel and innovative ornamental plant varieties. At WinGen, you will be assisting our diverse team to meet our primary mission; to breed and develop the best, unique, high performing plants.
Position Summary
The Operations Assistant is responsible for assisting operations at WinGen’s facility in Mustang Ridge, Texas. Primary areas of responsibility:
- Lead all Operations-related tasks to ensure they are completed on schedule and to the highest standards.
- Assist the Operations Manager with database management, shipping and logistics, and other administrative tasks.
- Collaborate with growers to ensure the highest plant quality of all crops at the facility in both a greenhouse and field setting.
- Collaborate with the Facilities team regarding the maintenance and upkeep of all structures and systems, as well as the facility grounds.
- This is a physically active role which requires a large amount of time spent standing, lifting, and completing repetitive tasks.
Reporting Relationship
The Operations Assistant will report directly to the Operations Manager. The Operations Assistant may have employees assigned to assist with specific projects and will be responsible for directing and overseeing their labor for the duration of the project.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Management: the Operations Assistant will be the lead for all Operations tasks/projects. Tasks/projects include propagation (harvesting and sticking), transplants, crop maintenance, virus testing, and shipments. As the project leader, the Operations Assistant will:
- Confirm work orders with the Operations Manager
- Print labels
- Ensure resources are available and prepared
- Direct employees assigned to assist with the project by the Operations Manager to ensure protocols are being followed and tasks are completed in a timely fashion
- Utilize project management software to communicate progress throughout the project
- Confirm project completion
- Communicate any adjustments to the Operations Manager
- Data Entry/Administration: the Operations Assistant will carry out data entry and administrative tasks as assigned by the Operations Manager. These include, but are not limited to:
- Entering observations, photos, and updates into the trials database
- Creating and editing trials
- Keeping electronic file systems organized and updated
- Operations-related intercompany communication and collaboration
- Inventory management
- Maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Facilitating labor and resources: the Operations Assistant will coordinate with other departments to ensure daily labor is properly distributed and space and/or resources allotted are available and properly prepared for projects.
- Perform other tasks as assigned.
Position Requirements
- Employee will work in accordance with WinGen LLC’s employee code of conduct and employment policies. The position is located at WinGen’s Mustang Ridge, TX facility and the employee must provide their own transportation.
- The employee must be authorized to work in the United States and will always maintain this eligibility.
- Comfort with hands on, physical work, repetitive tasks and standing for long periods of time.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams
- Employee must be able to use other software/applications, including project management software, database software, and label printing software.
- Must be able to lift 30 lbs
- Must be able to work in extreme heat and outdoor conditions
Skills and Attributes
- Self-motivated, organized, and efficient
- Effective, confident communicator
- Ability to think weeks and months in advance
- Strong emotional intelligence
- Ability to read, write, and transcribe alpha-numeric codes and other data.
- Attention to detail
- Able to use technology in an office and field setting
- Works well independently, as well as in a team environment
- Flexible; can adjust due to shifting priorities
Knowledge
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required, Spanish is beneficial
- Previous experience leading teams and/or managing projects in a relevant field required. Degree in a relevant field is desired.
- Previous experience with project management software is desired.