Seed Production Associate

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 staff to obtain required inspections, seed testing, and phenotypic data for breeder seed. Implement quality assurance protocols. Operate, maintain, and repair small seed production equipment used in field or seed processing. Apply agricultural chemicals, including pesticides, as necessary for optimum production.

Manage seed inventories and warehouse space. Work closely with staff in day‑to‑day operations and train or supervise temporary employees. Serve on safety committees and other committees as needed.

This position is based in Windsor, CO and reports to the Seed Production Coordinator.

• Assist winter cereals breeder seed production: secure fields, prepare seed, plant, fertilize, control weeds, rogues insects, and harvest while maintaining seed purity.
• Assist spring cereals breeder seed production: secure fields, prepare seed, plant, fertilize, control weeds, rogues insects, and harvest while maintaining seed purity.
• Liaise with the State Department of Agriculture to ensure compliance with phytosanitation certification.
• Lead cleaning, conditioning, sampling, treatment, packaging, and shipping of trial seed as directed.
• Submit breeder seed samples to seed labs for testing of purity, germination, seed count, and other applicable tests.
• Manage and implement quality assurance protocols to ensure purity of breeder and foundation seed stocks.
• Hire and manage temporary workers for breeder seed production.
• Manage seed inventories (breeder, test, remnant) in Fort Collins.
• Collect phenotypic descriptors for Plant Variety Protection and Review Board applications.
• Maintain, service, and repair equipment, including tractors, threshers, plot combines, planters, and seed processing equipment.
• Organize warehouse space so that equipment and seed are stored properly and egress access is maintained.
• Provide light facility maintenance of headquarters.

• Practical knowledge and experience in all aspects of crop and seed production.
• Commercial driver’s license (Class
  
  A) and forklift operator certificate.
• Pesticide applicator licenses (General, Ag Weed Control, Seed Treatment, Ag Plant Disease, Y Ag Insect Control) issued by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

• Minimum of a high school diploma and equivalent job experience in agronomy, agriculture, or horticulture.
• Experience managing field crops and operating farm equipment.
• Experience with cereal production and related agronomic practices.