VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION SPECIALIST

Illinois Foundation Seeds Inc. (IFSI) is an independent company delivering the leading research, product development, licensing, and production for the seed industry’s sweet corn and field crops.
Quality in our Team - We have assembled a team of some of the brightest minds and hardest workers in the business. It is the perfect mix – brilliant, young innovators and wise, experienced veterans working side by side, building on what’s made us the industry leader. With strong science and distinct market knowledge, paired with a strong work ethic and an easy-going spirit, this translates to a team our customers stay with over the long haul.

QUALIFICATION/KNOWLEDGE NEEDED:

• Previous experience in seed production or related field, a BS in Agriculture or Crop Science is beneficial.
• Proficiency in gathering, recording, and reporting data
• Strong work ethic focused on productivity, accuracy, and timeliness
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Capable of working as a member of a team sharing responsibilities, ideas, inputs and coordinating for a meaningful and thorough outcome. Great temperament for working with growers, and various individuals outside of the company
• Attention to detail and accuracy in task execution
• Capable of differentiating information or materials that are confidential and sharing information appropriately within and outside the IFSI organization
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office
• Travel to off-site production locations, company vehicle provided. A valid driver’s license and good driving record will also be required
• Capable of working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Lift and carry supplies and equipment as needed, generally up to 75 lbs.
• Stand, walk, and perform field-related tasks for extended periods.
• Capable of working long hours/weekends during critical periods of season.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Vegetable Crop Production Specialist. The Vegetable Crop Production Specialist is expected to be a self-starter with a strong sense of determination, taking a leadership role in this crucial part of our business. In this capacity, you will be responsible for assisting in overseeing field planning, planting, detasseling, scouting fields, stock seed inventories and seed conditioning. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, possess a background in seed production, and demonstrate the ability to efficiently manage tasks. Primary responsibilities in Idaho.

THE VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION SPECIALIST RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Responsible for assisting in all aspects of seed production
• Maintain high standards
• Safety
• Compliance
• Seed quality
• Cost
• Supply reliability
• Develop and implement new technologies with appropriate allocation of resources
• Monitoring production fields
• Ensuring adherence to protocols is completed accurately and timely
• Grower communication and documentation of activities
• Cultivate partnership with key business partners
• Growers
• Suppliers
• Neighboring farmers
• Assist in overseeing field operations
• Field planning
• Planting
• Detasseling
• Field scouting for disease and insect
• Harvesting
• Contract required production acres and isolations with seed growers
• To maximize yield and deliver seed meeting quality specifications
• Establish a relationship with growers
• Provide coaching and training to seasonal workforce, trainees, and peers
• Play an integral role in the Production Team
• Through inbred evaluation
• The organization and leading of customer visits
• Developing production data reports
• Responsible for providing project status updates
• Yearly Production Reviews
• Evaluation
• Full reports on all research activities to appropriate individuals
• Quality Control Specific Tasks
• Perform seed counts, moistures, seed sampling, and shipping
• Conduct seed quality or production improvement studies
• Apply for and assist with phytosanitary certificate applications
• Assist with Seed and Garden Varieties Conditioning
• Treating of stock seed, beans and peas
• Other duties as assigned