Farm Assistant at United Genetics Seeds Co. – Bakersfield, California

About United Genetics

United Genetics was founded in 1990 with headquarters in Hollister, California. What began as a family-owned seed company grew into an international vegetable seed organization with subsidiaries in Italy, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, India, and Jordan.

United Genetics proudly offers top quality processing tomato, fresh market tomato, hot pepper, sweet pepper, watermelon, squash, and cucumbers seed, among others. We focus on the needs of diverse customers along the vegetable supply chain, thinking of the grower by securing the versatility and robustness of the product performance, and the consumer, by focusing on the physical appeal, nutritional value and the taste of the outcome of our genetics.

Benefits Summary:

We are proud to offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support the physical, financial, and personal well-being of our employees. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Vester and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). 401K with company matching, Life insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid holidays.

JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

A farm assistant plays a vital role in supporting greenhouse and farm operations and maintenance. The responsibilities include ensuring the smooth functioning of greenhouse and field farm operations, promptly addressing any issues, and maintaining a safe working environment. Additionally, they manage the proper use of pesticides, adhering to safety protocols and minimizing environmental impact.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Farm Operations (30%)

• Perform land preparation activities, including plowing, discing, and
• bed preparation, in accordance with established agricultural and safety standards.
• Perform field setup and listing operations, including installation of drip irrigation tape and application of plastic mulch.
• Support weed management efforts through manual weeding, mulching, and approved herbicide application, following company procedures and regulatory guidelines.
• Conduct direct seeding and transplanting activities to support crop establishment and production schedules.
• Monitor crop growth and field conditions, including irrigation needs, nutrient status, and signs of pest or disease pressure, and report observations to supervisors to support effective crop management decisions.
• Assist with harvesting activities, including crop harvesting, deseeding, washing, and post-harvest handling to maintain product quality and sanitation standards.

Pump System, Greenhouse, and Facilities Maintenance (30%)

• Monitor office, greenhouse, and field pump systems to ensure proper functionality and compliance with operational standards.
• Perform routine cleaning, minor repairs, and preventative maintenance on pump systems, greenhouse equipment, and related infrastructure.
• Maintain greenhouse operations and general facility conditions to support safe, efficient, and compliant work environments.
• Conduct repairs to fencing and structural components as needed, in accordance with safety guidelines and approved procedures.
• Identify, document, and promptly report maintenance issues or safety concerns to the Manager and Farm Coordinator.

Equipment Service (30%)

• Maintain and service company fleet vehicles to ensure safe operation, reliability, and compliance with maintenance standards.
• Perform routine inspection, servicing, and minor maintenance on tractors, tillers, and agricultural implements in accordance with established procedures and safety guidelines.

Integrated Pest Management (10%)

• Apply pesticides and herbicides in accordance with established company protocols, safety procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Handle, store, and dispose of pesticides and related materials in compliance with safety standards, labeling requirements, and environmental regulations.
• Compliance with health and safety standards, programs and industry codes in accordance with federal, county and state agencies (CCR Title 8, EPA, RCRA, CERCLA, NFPA, and FDA) and regulations. Follow control measures for exposure to hazardous materials or conditions.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

Interpersonal and Communication: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and always maintaining them. The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person and to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Technical and Analytical: Knowledge of crop production practices and being able to use farming equipment. Experience in driving a tractor. Analytical thinking to recognize problems and find solutions to apply the fundamental skills and working knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures necessary for fulfilling responsibilities.

Administrative and Operations: Understands and follows company policies and state and government safety rules/regulations. Be organized, set priorities, schedules, and review work. Time management to accomplish daily/short term goals set by Station Manager to meet deadlines.

Physical Demands: Must be able to work in the fields / cages / greenhouses under extreme weather conditions, be physically fit to walk, reach overhead, bend, kneel, squat, bend your neck and lift to 50 lbs.

Work Environment: Office, outdoor, cages and greenhouse work with temperatures close to 100 degrees or lower, walk on uneven surface and often be exposed to chemicals.