Overview

The Germplasm Enhancement Technician works closely with the Germplasm Enhancement Breeder, Trait Operations Manager and other Research Department Staff to accomplish research objectives contained within it.

As a member of the Beck’s Family of employees, all full-time employees are eligible for a generous benefits package:

  • Health benefits including two medical plan options and company HSA contributions, dental, vision, employer paid life/AD&D for you and your dependents, disability insurance, and access to an onsite Nurse Practitioner
  • 401k plan match & company sponsored pension plan and access to a Financial Advisor to help you manage your retirement savings
  • Paid time off, Paid Holidays, Wellness Programs, & Corporate Discounts
  • Company Christmas Party, Free Lunch, Two-Hundred Dollar Merchandise Allowance, & Much More

 

Responsibilities

  • Manage seed lab and implement seed inventory system for the Trait Conversion Team.
  • Manage summer and winter breeding nurseries.   Duties will include overseeing nursery shelling, packaging, planting, tissue sampling, pollinating, harvesting and other activities deemed necessary to implement a breeding program.
  • Analyze breeding strategies within the program and provide statistical support and recommendations on implementation.
  • Assist with breeding projects to exploit new strategies and germplasm development.
  • Sample tissue for confirmation of trait presence and identification of negative plants for removal.
  • Assist with spraying, data collection, and analysis of E&E trials for commercialization.
  • Collect data on nursery, ISO, and yield trials for stand counts, plot ratings, flowering data, and pollination counts.
  • Provide support and recommendations on inbred line selection (line increase, purity assessment, and traited version evaluation).
  • Assist in the evaluation of hybrid combinations for agronomic characteristics and performance.
  • Oversee winter nursery preparation for third-party cooperators.
  • Perform other related duties that may be required by Trait Conversion Team and Greenhouse staff.

 

Job Requirements

  1. Education and training:
  • M.S in agricultural or horticultural discipline, or B.S in an agricultural or horticultural field with at least 5 years of appropriate experience in a plant breeding program.
  • Currently have or have ability to obtain chauffer’s license.
  • Have, or be able to obtain, pesticide applicator’s license.
  • Ability to operate a fork truck and pass Beck’s Powered Industrial Forktruck Safety and Operator Training program.
  • Pay attention to detail and manage work to high quality standards.
  • Possess a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
  • Ability to establish priorities, work independently, work as a team member, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy.
  1. Technical knowledge:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • High level of knowledge about plant growth and development, insect and disease control, and fertility and irrigation management systems.
  • Ability to establish priorities, work independently, work as a team member, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
  • Excellent computer and current software skills.

3. Physical demands:

  • Ability to safely lift up to 70 pounds.
  • Exposure to inclement outdoor weather conditions which may include heat, cold, rain and sun.
  • Ability to stand and sit for several hours at a time.
  • Ability to pass DOT physical examination and obtain Medical Examiner’s Certificate may be required.
  1. Experience:
  • 2 years of appropriate experience producing plants in a research environment.

5. Travel and Hours of Work:

  • Occasional overnight travel may be required for note taking and travel to winter nursery locations.
  • Ability to work extended hours during planting, pollination and harvest seasons.

** In an effort to provide a safer, drug-free workplace for employees, all full-time applicants to whom offers of employment are made must submit to a drug test and background check, subject to applicable local, state, or federal laws or regulations. Employment at Beck’s is contingent upon passing these pre-employment screenings.

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