Production Technician

About the role

As a Production Technician at our Algona, IA location, you will play a vital hands-on role in our seed production operations, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You’ll operate a variety of process equipment, use automated and computerized systems, and follow detailed quality plans and work instructions to support reliable production outcomes. This role contributes to continuous improvement through data collection, preventative maintenance support, and participation in warehousing, field, and harvest activities. Safety is central to everything we do, and you’ll help lead or support site safety initiatives that protect people, products, and performance.

Responsibilities

• Run a variety of process equipment while adhering to our company’s robust safety policies
• Ensure compliance with Quality Plan Work Instructions and Quality Plan requirements
• Collect and record data for continuous improvement projects and production records
• Support preventative maintenance (PM) and other general repair efforts
• Lead or support a defined safety program to enhance safety across the site
• Assist with warehousing activities including forklift operation
• Use automation and computerized systems to perform work tasks (HMI, computers, iPads, etc.)
• Potential to perform field management activities such as scouting, field maintenance, logistical planning, and maintain relationships with external partners (growers, contractors, etc.)
• Assist with harvest activities such as preparation, seed sampling, truck unloading, and other relevant processes
• Various other duties as assigned

Location Specific Items:

• Maintains a strong commitment to safety by consistently adhering to established safety procedures, taking ownership of personal safety, and actively supporting the safety of fellow team members including championing a safety program
• Ability to work a seasonal shift schedule that may include day, evening, weekend, and overnight shifts to meet production and business requirements
• Maintains the knowledge, adaptability, and skills necessary to successfully perform a diverse range of seasonal tasks and responsibilities throughout recurring annual production cycles
• Maintains the knowledge and technical skills required to operate automated control systems, making appropriate equipment adjustments to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production processes
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate powered industrial equipment, including forklifts, while maintaining a strong commitment to workplace safety, productivity, and transactional accuracy in the movement, storage, and documentation of materials

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED or are willing and able to obtain your GED within one year of hire as a condition of employment
• Value health and safety! Always work safely and follow all safety policies and procedures to ensure you and your colleagues go home safely every day
• Willingness and flexibility to work a rotating shift and scheduled overtime hours, including weekends and holidays, during seasonal peaks to support production demand
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Comfortable with technology (computers, iPads, etc.), have good computer skills, and are familiar with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Good written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• High attention to detail, can multitask, maintain an organized workplace, and have excellent problem-solving skills
• Proactive, communicate concerns, and adaptable
• Legally able to work in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process
• Hold a valid US driver’s license, so you are able to drive a company vehicle to field locations when needed

Physical Job Requirements

• Stand and sit for extended periods
• Work both outdoors and indoors in hot, cold, wet, and dry conditions
• Lift up to 60 lbs.
• Perform work that involves repetitive motion and/or repetitive lifting
• Exposure to dust and plant allergens including but not limited to corn, sunflower, cotton, and canola pollen and protein and sorghum as well as potential mold spores and/or chemicals in the course of your duties

Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable laws to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Skills

• Associate degree or two-year trade degree
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles such as 5S, Continuous Improvement, and Standardized Work
• WMS and SAP/ERP system experience
• Forklift operation experience
• Agricultural experience
• Mechanical skillset

Benefits

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program

This role will be 100% on-site at the location. VISA Sponsorship is not available for this position. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.