Research Farm Technician

JOB SUMMARY: The Farm Technician works in cooperation with the Farm Manager and the Research Trials Manager to improve the growing conditions of the research crops. Farm Technician is primarily responsible for supporting daily farm operations and assisting with irrigation and pesticide applications. Manage equipment and working closely with the crew to keep operations running efficiently on the Research Station.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Responsible for assisting farming crops and maintaining greenhouses. Assists the Farm Manager with the maintenance of the research farm.

• Responsible for recording seasonal data relating to crop maps, fertilizer, irrigation, and overall growing season performance for each crop.

• Responsible for irrigation management including that the irrigation systems are maintained and operated correctly.

• Responsible for spraying and maintaining (as needed) on-farm research and demonstration plots.

• Responsible for pesticide applications including completing required documentation and posting requirements.

• Assists in monitoring and guiding the farming activities to achieve desired results.

• Coordinate with Farm Manager and Breeder Assistants regarding chemical applications in the field and greenhouses.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Must be able to operate and maintain farm equipment such as irrigation pumps,

tractors, pickups, disks, sprayers, levelers, fertilizer spreaders, bed presses, mulch machines, pesticide applicators, etc.

• Must have general knowledge of farm operations and farm management principles.

• Bi-lingual English/Spanish ability is highly desirable but not required.

• Ability to handle stress especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload.

• Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.

• Computer experience with Microsoft Office software desired.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• B.S. in agriculture or related subject, or equivalent knowledge and experience as determined by Sakata

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• Farm management experience highly desirable.

• Must have and maintain a current pesticide applicator's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to work with chemicals and other irritating substances.

• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment when required.

• Must be able to work under different weather conditions such as extremes of temperature, dampness, rain and sun exposure.

• Must be able to work in dusty conditions.

• Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time.

• Must be able to work long and irregular hours.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events

* To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable Individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.