R&D Seed Technician

The R&D Seed Technician supports global research and development for seeds and traits by handling all aspects of indoor material processing and packaging. This role involves receiving, scanning, cleaning, treating, sorting, counting, labeling, and shipping seeds, as well as operating specialized equipment, performing preventative maintenance, and following standardized procedures in a lab and warehouse environment. The technician plays a key role in quality control and production support within an R&D seed production facility, ensuring materials meet strict regulatory and quality standards while maintaining accurate data and documentation.

• Operate research and production equipment safely and efficiently, taking detailed notes and managing data with a high level of accuracy.

• Receive, scan, clean, treat, sort, count, label, package, and ship R&D seeds and materials according to established protocols.

• Comply with regulated seed stewardship standards by reading and following permit conditions, completing safety inspections and trainings, and adhering to all policies and standard operating procedures.

• Conduct quality testing on incoming materials to confirm they meet specified standards and document results clearly.

• Support production employees by overseeing quality functions, maintaining quality standards, ensuring GMP compliance, conducting safety inspections, and managing hazard identification and mitigation.

• Perform quality assurance tasks including routine audits, process validations, and implementation of corrective actions to address nonconformities.

• Provide operational support for labeling, packaging, jarring, tote maintenance, and other departments as needed to meet production and research timelines.

• Prioritize safe execution of warehouse and lab operations, ensuring all safety protocols and regulations are consistently followed.

• Work extended hours during peak season to support production demands and maintain workflow continuity.

• Lift and move up to 50 lbs as needed to handle seed materials and equipment.

• Ensure efficient and effective operation of source handling and filling processes within the R&D production facility.

• Conduct various quality tests for several hours per shift and report findings promptly to relevant stakeholders.

• Cross-train in multiple groups and areas and provide support to other teams once quality control testing is completed.

• Assist in operating and overseeing automated quality and filling processes, maintaining a high attention to detail and a strong quality focus.

• Manage the flow of seeds through automated equipment into cassettes for distribution to controlled research fields, monitoring performance and accuracy.

• Troubleshoot and resolve quality issues that arise during source handling, filling, and other production activities, escalating concerns when necessary.

• Intake all incoming R&D seeds and materials in the receiving area and perform quality control checks to ensure standards are met.

• Prepare seeds for production at a repetitive, detail-oriented jarring station, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

• Perform tote maintenance by identifying, addressing, and correcting quality issues from the source filling station so seeds can reenter production.

• Participate in daily meetings to coordinate coverage and communicate planned time off, especially during peak season, to maintain operational continuity.

• High school diploma required.

• 12+ years of experience in a related setting such as agriculture, environmental science, quality, or GMP-regulated environments required, unless replaced by a relevant four-year STEM degree.

• Strong attention to detail in handling seeds, performing tests, and recording…