Seed Production Associate

Main Goal Assist production manager with Breeder seed production, conditioning, processing, and packaging to ensure seed purity is maintained. Coordinate with growers, federal or state agencies, contractors, and LCS staff to get required inspections, seed testing, and phenotypic data required for Breeder seed. Implement LCS Quality Assurance protocols. Operate, maintain, repair small seed production equipment for use in field or seed processing. Apply agricultural chemicals including pesticides as necessary for optimum production of Breeder seed. Manage seed inventories and warehouse space. Work closely with other LCS staff in day to day operations as well as train and supervise temporary employees. Serve on LCS safety committee and other committees as available and skills/knowledge permit.

This position is based in Windsor, CO and reports to the Seed production coordinator.

Job Description

• Assist winter cereals Breeder seed production, including securing production fields, seed preparation, planting, fertilization, weed control, roguing, and harvest. Ensure all production activities are carried out in a manner that maintains seed purity.
• Assist spring cereals Breeder seed production, including securing production fields, seed preparation, planting, fertilization, weed control, rogueing, and harvest. Ensure all production activities are carried out in a manner that maintains seed purity.
• Liaise with appropriate State Department of Agriculture representatives to ensure compliance with and accessibility to phytosanition certification.
• Lead cleaning, conditioning, sampling, treatment, packaging, and shipping of trial seed as directed by Seed Production Coordinator.
• Submit Breeder seed samples to appropriate seed lab for testing of purity, germination, seed count and other tests as appropriate.
• Manage and implement Quality Assurance protocols to ensure purity of Breeder and Foundation seed stocks
• Hire and manage temporary workers as required for Breeder seed production.
• Manage Fort Collins seed inventories (breeder, test, remnant).
• Collect phenotypic descriptors for Plant Variety Protection and Review Board applications.
• Manage maintenance, service, and repair of equipment. Including but not limited to small tractors, threshers, plot combines, planters and seed processing equipment.
• Maintain and organize warehouse space, insure equipment and seed is stored properly so that egress access is maintained.
• Serve on the LCS safety committee or other LCS committees as needed.
• Provide light facility maintenance of LCS headquarters.

What We Expect Of You

• Technical Skills – Practical knowledge and experience in all aspects of crop production and/or seed productionThe ability to acquire and maintain a commercials driver's license (Class A) and forklift operators certificate. Obtains Commercial Drivers License for the state of Colorado and holds Pesticide Applicators (General, Ag Weed Control, Seed Treatment, Ag Plant Disease, and Ag Insect Control). License issued by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

• Education & work experience required:

• Minimum of a H.S. diploma and equivalent job experience in agronomy, agriculture, or horticulture is desired.

• Experience in managing field crops is desired, Prior experience with farm equipment operation.

• Experience with cereal production and related agronomic practices is desired. Miscellaneous:

• Reports to: Seed Production Coordinator

• Supervisory responsibilities: Temporary workers.

Skills Your benefits and working environment Recruitment process