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.
Job Description
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
Skills: what we expect of you
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.
Your benefits and working environment
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.
Recruitment process
The interview process will include meeting with Human Resources and other management from the station.
Company
VILMORIN-MIKADO
Position localization
Job location
America/Carribean, USA, California
Location
Holsclaw Road, Gilroy California
Candidate criteria
Minimum Level Of Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Minimum Level Of Experience Required
2 years or more
Languages
English (3 - Professional)
Spanish (1 - Beginner)
Requester
Position start date
01/07/2024
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Contract
Job function
Research
Industries
Farming
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