The fourth-largest seed company in the world.  Limagrain is an international cooperative group created and directed by French farmers.  As a creator and producer of plant varieties, Limagrain markets field seeds, vegetable seeds, and cereal products.

Vilmorin-Mikado USA, Inc. is the Business Unit of Group Limagrain, a socially conscious company headquartered in France and Japan; that specializes in breeding, producing, and marketing vegetable and tree seeds for professional farmers worldwide.  The diversity within our multicultural teams drives the company’s growth strategy through quality products, expertise, and commitment to excellence.  Vilmorin-Mikado USA, Inc., is the North American operation of Vilmorin-Mikado and is the reporting location for this position.  This position reports to the America Unit Research Operations Manager.

Position Summary

Responsible for leading research activities under protected cultivation and supervising the greenhouse team. This role is responsible for managing the operational activities of the greenhouses and covered structures, coordinating teams for pollinations, seed related activities, and improving key performance indicators linked to greenhouse-based breeding results.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Team Management
·       Manage daily activities of you and your team by hosting day and week ahead meetings for planning purposes - includes coordination of workflow and crop schedules
·       Implement and develop safety procedures and work with the local Safety Relays
·       Work with the Human Resources and direct Manager to create development plans and implement training for the team under your responsibility
·       Communicate with internal and external partners and stakeholders as required in a timely manner to ensure the success of the business
·       Coordinate with external partners and sister companies on research activities to ensure the success of Limagrain breeding programs
·       Support Office Admin with record keeping ensuring good inventory, compliances, and budget management

Leadership and Trial Management

·       Manage core research activities (e.g. trial preparation) of hosted vegetable crops
·       Ensure effective planning and implementation of activities for greenhouse activities
·       Record and upload relevant data to support compliance and decision-making on trialing and agronomic management
·       Collaborate with the Breeders, External Trial Officer, and Product Development team to support trial establishment and evaluation in the regions of Yuma, Santa Maria, Salinas, and Gilroy
·       Maintain a clean and well-organized workspace and keep documentation on activities as needed including plant crossing lists and seed packet documentation
·       Support the Field & Facilities Supervisor during absence
·       Seek continuous improvements in all activities through experimentation, recording of approach, and implementation of new techniques
·       Lead and participate in meetings with collaborators to ensure operational success

Greenhouse and Seed Activities

·       Take responsibility for all activities in the greenhouses, hoop houses, cages, and related areas of protected and potted cultivation
·       Lead plant maintenance including planting, transplanting, cleaning growth area, tying plants to stakes, and watering plants
·       Manage seed harvesting including seed of cross-pollinated plants, single plant selections, and bulk seed increases
·       Maintain a clean and well-organized workspace and keep documentation on activities as needed including crossing list, chemical applications, and nitrogen removal
·       Lead and support pollinations of lettuce, greens, tomato, onion, cucurbit, brassica, carrot, and pepper plants as directed by the supervisor
·       Lead the process to clean seed of cross-pollinated plants, single plant selections, and bulk seed increases with the support of the Seed Technician
·       Manage chemical applications under your certification as a QAL or PCA using handheld and tractor equipment according to competencies, safety, and training

Equipment Management

·       Lead preventative maintenance and inspection for standard greenhouse equipment including dosatrons, chemical application tools, and irrigation equipment

·       Perform routine repairs of internal greenhouse systems, greenhouse-related equipment, and cages

·       Maintain irrigation system and tools for the successful completion of work

·       Other duties as assigned

Expectations

·       Strong problem-solving and analytic skills.

·       Ability to effectively manage teams and unanticipated challenges.

·       Ability to perform essential duties without direct supervision.

·       Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

·       Able to work in indoor and outdoor conditions.

·       Good attendance and punctuality.

·       Willingness to occasionally work extended hours and weekends.

·       Commitment to follow office and work site procedures.

·       Ability to work well with peers and maintain a positive attitude.

·       Maintain professional conduct.

·       Good organization skills and ability to prioritize work.

·       Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

·       Ability to complete work with minimal supervision.

·       Keep strong self-motivation and initiative.

Position has medical, dental, vision benefits as well as 401(k) and supplemental matching. This position has access to all the benefits full time employees enjoy including sick time and vacation time accrual. 

The interview process will include meeting with Human Resources and other management from the station.