Seed Production Associate

Main Goal

Aid the production manager with breeder seed production, conditioning, processing, and packaging to maintain seed purity. Coordinate with growers, federal or state agencies, contractors, and LCS staff for required inspections, seed testing, and phenotypic data.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair small seed production equipment for field or seed processing.
• Apply agricultural chemicals, including pesticides, as necessary for optimal production of breeder seed.
• Manage seed inventories and warehouse space.
• Work closely with other LCS staff in daily operations and train/supervise temporary employees.
• Serve on LCS safety committees and other committees as available and skills/knowledge permit.

Assist Winter Cereals Breeder Seed Production

Securing production fields, seed preparation, planting, fertilization, weed control, roguing, and harvest. Ensure all activities maintain seed purity.

Assist Spring Cereals Breeder Seed Production

Securing production fields, seed preparation, planting, fertilization, weed control, roguing, and harvest. Ensure all activities maintain seed purity.

Liaise with State Departments

Liaise with appropriate State Department of Agriculture representatives for phytosanitation certification compliance.

Lead Cleaning, Conditioning, Sampling, Treatment, Packaging, and Shipping

Lead cleaning, conditioning, sampling, treatment, packaging, and shipping of trial seed as directed by the Seed Production Coordinator.

Submit Samples for Testing

Submit breeder seed samples to appropriate seed labs for purity, germination, seed count, and other tests as required.

Manage and Implement Quality Assurance Protocols

Implement quality assurance protocols to ensure purity of breeder and foundation seed stocks.

Hire and Manage Temporary Workers

Hire and manage temporary workers as required for breeder seed production.

Manage Fort Collins Seed Inventories

Manage and organize Fort Collins seed inventories (breeder, test, remnant).

Collect Phenotypic Descriptors

Collect phenotypic descriptors for Plant Variety Protection and Review Board applications.

Manage Maintenance, Service, and Repair of Equipment

• Maintain and organize warehouse space.
• Ensure equipment and seed are stored properly for easy egress access.
• Manage maintenance, service, and repair of equipment, including small tractors, threshers, plot combines, planters, and seed processing equipment.

Provide Light Facility Maintenance

Provide light facility maintenance at LCS headquarters.

Profile Description

• Technical Skills: Practical knowledge and experience in crop production and/or seed production. Ability to obtain and maintain a commercial driver's license (Class A) and forklift operator's certificate. Obtain Commercial Drivers License for the state of Colorado and hold Pesticide Applicators (General, Ag Weed Control, Seed Treatment, Ag Plant Disease, and Ag Insect Control) licenses from the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
• Education & Work Experience: Minimum of a high school diploma and equivalent job experience in agronomy, agriculture, or horticulture. Prior experience with farm equipment operation and cereal production and related agronomic practices is desired.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise temporary workers.

Benefits and Working Environment

Position based in Windsor, CO. Reports to the Seed Production Coordinator. No pay, schedule, or benefits information provided. Recruitment process details not specified.