Farm Technician I – Customer Support

This full-time, hourly position supports the Research and Production team in growing and maintaining variety trials, breeding workshops, and seed production crops at the Albion Research facility and surrounding contracted fields during the growing season. In the off-season, the role rotates to the Fairfield Contact Center as a Customer Support Specialist. Starting wage is $17.51/hour with an additional $0.80/hour stipend upon transfer to the Contact Center.

Responsibilities

• Perform farm production tasks including planting, irrigation, weed control, pest management, crop maintenance, harvest, seed cleaning, and other special projects.
• Complete assignments accurately and on time, often in a repetitive process environment.
• Communicate production needs to supervisors and participate in mandatory morning meetings.
• Maintain high safety standards for equipment operation and facility maintenance.
• Work overtime and weekends as needed; complete all required training.
• Clean fields, equipment, and facilities at the end of the season before transitioning to the Contact Center.
• Provide professional, high-quality customer service to commercial farmers and home gardeners, focusing on problem-solving and one-call resolution.
• Handle 50+ calls per day, providing accurate and timely responses through multiple channels.
• Support customers with order status, concerns, and issue resolution.

Requirements

• Minimum of one season as a Seasonal Farm crew member (or equivalent experience), or existing full-time employment in another department at Johnny's Selected Seeds.
• Applied knowledge of organic and sustainable farming operations.
• Previous participation in basic tractor and tool training (training can occur post-hire with manager approval).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and basic computer applications.
• Thorough understanding of Johnny's research farm enterprises and systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, dependability, and strong work ethic.
• Basic computer and math skills; excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Analytical and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, productive environment.
• Valid Maine driver's license.
• Ability to operate pallet jacks and follow detailed processes and instructions.
• Commitment to working safely and maintaining a positive work atmosphere.
• Alignment with company core values and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Proven ability to learn difficult information quickly.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to read, count, and write to complete documentation accurately.
• Ability to work in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
• Agility to navigate uneven, rocky ground.
• Ability to bend, pull, push, and lift up to 70 lbs repetitively.
• Ability to climb stationary ladders.
• Ability to stand/walk for up to 8+ hours per day.
• Ability to sit at a computer for at least 75% of the workday.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (PPO, HSA)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing
• 401(k)
• Employee Discount
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Float Holidays
• Paid Holidays
• Educational Assistance

Schedule

Full-time, hourly position. Start date is approximately August. Requires overtime and weekend work as needed.