Responsible for managing Sakata Seed America’s leafy root and bulb seed production. Main objective includes delivery of high-quality seed, and information that meets or exceeds Sakata’s standards with optimal cost and service level agreements.

The Leafy Root and Bulb ( primarily Spinach, Lettuce, Beet) Crop Specialist will deliver Sakata’s production needs by acting as the agronomic expert on leafy root and bulb seed production, analyzing agronomic performance and identifying areas of opportunity, executing plans, reporting supply data, developing new production locations to produce in the best areas for the crop, managing seed quality and reliability of existing production areas. Available for other strategic projects and crops within the Company.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Visit domestic and international production locations for commercial and Stock Seed productions to inspect crops and provide feedback to producers on Sakata genetics and best production practices. The focus will be on leafy root and bulb crops but additional species of interest crop knowledge is helpful.
• Provide agronomic support to local teams and serve as species expert for leafy root and bulb crops and provide valuable agronomic insight during the growing season
• Work with the leafy root and bulb supply planner to provide input on crop placement to help ensure the highest potential of success.
• Follow up on QA concerns and issues and work with experimental production, and seed physiology to identify problems and implement trials to determine best practices
• Visit and keep track of the domestic and international production fields at every phenological stage.
• Develop relationships with international vendors to expand production capabilities
• Communication of inbred line information and parent descriptions to international production locations and where needed working with breeder to ensure up to date information.
• Adopt best practices to maximize seed yield and quality.
• Train production workers on techniques related to planting, pollination and harvest where needed.
• Advise internal and 3rd party producers on best agronomic practices to maximize production potential.
• Analyze past production quantity, quality, base rates, cost and timeliness data and contribute to the overall strategic roadmap for leafy root and bulb production at Sakata; Manage technical improvement projects with subsidiaries and vendors.
• Review and analyze domestic and international production locations, maintain contacts there and suggest new producers where needed
• Address areas for improvement, simplification, optimization or expansion of our business, including crop year performance and grower performance analysis.
• Assist in evaluating and improving the success and effectiveness of the production department
• Serve as the point of contact with for international vendors enabling delivery of critical updates and growing information.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Seed industry experience necessary
• 5+ years in a research or seed production environment.
• Crop knowledge to be able to advise on areas of concern and develop actionable solutions
• Practical, hands-on experience with leafy root and bulb crop production and knowledgeable in leafy root and bulb disease and fertility management is required. Experience with other species helpful.
• Continuous improvement mindset to identify areas for improvement and strategize on ways to accomplish these improvements.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong analytical and reasoning abilities. Demonstrated ability to accurately attend to detail.
• Computer and software familiarity and competency are required to maintain accurate records, exchange information, and communicate regularly in a timely fashion.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities.
• Excellent communicator in English necessary, Spanish helpful
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• B.S. degree or equivalent experience required, with classes in crop production, agronomy, plant science.
• Preferred: Masters in an Agriculture related discipline

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to work long and irregular hours.
• Travel up to 30%
• Must be able to travel for long periods of time throughout the year. Must be able and willing to travel to foreign countries.

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

*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.