Growout Technologist at Sakata Seed America, INC. – Salinas, California
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About This Position
Job Summary: The Growout Technologist provides technical and operational support to the Growout Manager and is responsible for coordinating and conducting seed growouts for genetic purity, quality verification, and related evaluations. This role oversees planting, crop maintenance, data collection, evaluation, and reporting activities across field and controlled environments. The position ensures growouts are executed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with QA standards while maintaining facilities, equipment, and field sites. The Growout Technologist collaborates cross-functionally with Seed Health, Pathology, Breeding, and other Quality teams as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Coordinate and conduct growouts for genetic purity, phenotype verification, and quality assessments in field and controlled environments.
- Plan and schedule planting activities, ensuring proper lot tracking, labeling, and documentation.
- Oversee crop establishment, irrigation coordination, fertilization, pest and disease monitoring, and overall plant care.
- Conduct evaluations and scoring of plants according to defined protocols and standards.
- Accurately record, manage, and enter growout data into designated systems; ensure traceability and data integrity.
- Organize and summarize results into reports for the Growout Manager and Quality stakeholders (eg Planning and Production teams)
- Assist in developing and improving growout protocols, workflows, and evaluation methods to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Coordinate seasonal labor, technicians, and temporary crews as delegated; ensure adherence to safety and operational protocols.
- Monitor and maintain growout equipment, tools, irrigation systems, and field infrastructure; coordinate repairs as needed.
- Maintain general housekeeping and organization of field and storage areas.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Foundational knowledge of plant science, agronomy, genetics, and crop production systems.
- Ability and willingness to learn how to evaluate plant phenotype and accurately identify off-types or abnormalities; structured training will be provided to support competency development
- Strong organizational and scheduling skills to manage multiple growouts simultaneously.
- Accuracy, attention to detail, and strong observational skills.
- Ability to perform field-based work for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
- Adaptability to changing priorities and seasonal demands.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Competency in data entry, spreadsheets, and digital tracking systems.
- Ability to manage workload under strict timelines and seasonal peaks.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Biology, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience in field crop production, seed production, growouts, or quality assurance preferred.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
- Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons, including occasional weekends.
- Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions (heat, wind, cold).
- Ability to stand, walk, and bend for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Willingness to follow all safety protocols and wear required personal protective equipment.
- Ability to travel between sites as needed, including operating company vehicle.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with company policy.
BENEFITS:
Health & Wellness
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Monthly Wellness Stipend
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Disability Insurance (plans vary by location)
Financial Benefits
401(k) Program + Company Match
Profit Sharing Program (via 401(k)
Holiday Bonus
Performance Incentive Bonus Program
Tuition Reimbursement
529 College‑Savings Plan
Company-Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
Time Off & Flexibility
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
14 Paid Company Holidays
2 Floating Holidays
Birthday Off
*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
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Job Location
Job Location
This job is located in the Salinas, California, 93907, United States region.