Farm Coordinator - Bakersfield, United States - United Genetics Seeds Co.

Description

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JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

Assist in the research and production of high-quality field and greenhouse grown vegetables to the standards and expectations established by the Research, Foundation and Stock Seed, and Production teams with Product Development team.

In this position, the individual will conduct and coordinate activities which promote uniform and consistent plant growth in field and greenhouse growing environments and genetic integrity of parent and hybrid seed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Farm Management (75%)

• Monitors plant conditions, growth stages, and diseases in all projects, and reports the status to breeders and/or Station Manager, and coordinate necessary actions as needed or required.
• Will be responsible for the efficient upkeep of all the greenhouses and machinery/equipment used for R&D and Foundation and Stock Seed, and crop management activities to ensure functionality and meet required safety and precautionary requirements.
• As and when desired by the Foundation and Stock Seed team, provide support to carryout various activities for production in greenhouse and open field.
• Coordinates in any other growing and farming activities desired by the breeders, and foundation and stock seed team not mentioned above.
• Coordinates and monitors all programs and hardware maintenance on the DropControl system and to efficiently utilize the system and optimized water management.
• Under the direction of the Station Manager, coordinate the daily assignments of a small team currently consisting of 515 labor contract workers and a Farm Assistant.
• Gives proper instructions to temporary workers to conduct above mentioned tasks safely and efficiently.

Facilities and Safety (25%)

• Manage the upkeep of company vehicles, office buildings and greenhouses in Bakersfield, California.
• Respond to facility alarms and system failures.
• Conduct and document regular facility and safety inspections including those required by city, state, or federal agencies.
• Manage and perform preventive maintenance activities on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual basis to reduce wear and tear or breakdown of systems. Implement and/or recommend control measures for exposure to hazardous materials or conditions.
• Coordinate Safety Training of Contractors with Station Manager.
• Act as the Fleet Administrator for the Bakersfield station, ensuring compliance with the current program.
• Coordinate with R&D and production to make appropriate changes to facilities and systems to help promote the growth of the strongest plants possible.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, programs, and industry codes in accordance with federal, county and state agencies (CCR Title 8, EPA, RCRA, CERCLA, NFPA, and FDA) and regulations. Implement and/or recommend control measures for exposure to hazardous materials or conditions. Organize, maintain, and update file MSDS for all chemicals and products used onsite.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Requirements:


_ Education Level and Focus:

_Associates' degree in related field, required; Bachelor's Degree preferred. Possess a valid California Driver's License. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable. Pesticide Applicators License is required.


_ Years and Type of Related Experience Required:

_Five years of related experience working with plants in the open field and/or greenhouse, implementing and working within a budget and contracting outside growers.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and inwriting.
• Ability to use farm equipment including tractors, forklifts and other farm equipment while respecting safe operation procedures.
• Knowledge of use of common office equipment (computer, printer, fax machine, copier, and phone).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint is desired.
• May organize, set priorities, schedule, and review work.
• Ability to manage time to accomplish daily/short term goals set by station manager.

_ Physical Demands:

_Deal calmly and effectively in a seasonally demanding work environment. Working flexible hours or over-time on short notice may be required.

Must be able to work in the office and fields/greenhouses under various ambient conditions, particularly reduced air-quality and in periods of high temperatures possible exceeding 100 degrees F.

Must be physically fit to walk, bend, kneel, squat, bend your neck, and lift to 50 lbs.


_ Work Environment:

_Office, outdoor, cages and greenhouse work with temperatures close to 100 degrees, walk on uneven surface and often be exposed to chemicals.