JOB SUMMARY: Manages the Routine Seed Health Testing Program for SAI located in Salinas, CA. Routine seed health tests includes molecular and nonmolecular methodologies.Supervises technical staff performing seed health tests. Responsible for organizing, assessing, and distributing all seed health data. Consults with the Pathology Manager - Seed Health on data requiring case by case management decisions. Inputs outsourced seed health testing data into inventory management system. Maintains relationships and is a liaison to third party laboratories. Coordinates research on new and improved seed health testing methods.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES*:
- Coordinates Seed Health Testing Program for SAI Salinas programs.
- Evaluate the performance of seed health support technical staff.
- Supervises technical and non-technical support staff in the SAI seed health testing program.
- Oversees the routine operations of the Seed Health portion of the Pathology lab and greenhouse facilities.
- Reviews results, Enters and Monitors seed health test data from SAI and outsourced labs.
- Informs and provides support to all appropriate departments (Sales, Production, QA, Supply Chain, Research) on results outcomes and addition testing requirements.
- Notifies the Pathology Manager - Seed Health of data requiring case by case management decisions and/or specific recommendations.
- Conduct routine seed health assays as needed. Evaluate specific tests, records test data and report results.
- Attend training workshops and meetings as directed by the Pathology Manager - Seed Health.
- Provides day to day leadership and technical direction, training, and coordinating activities to assure accurate and timely completion of tasks.
- Organizes and archives current and historical seed health data. May issue company letters with seed health test results when requested by customers through SAI Sales.
- Coordinates the research on new and improved seed health testing techniques and methods.
- Writes up procedures for seed health testing. Compiles and maintains a Seed Health Manual of procedures/protocols, media recipes and maintains records of staff training.
- Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
- Must have excellent manual dexterity, tactile discrimination, spatial perception, visual discrimination, and mathematical aptitude. Must also have excellent problem solving, writing and analytic ability.
- Must have excellent oral and written communications skills
- Must have working knowledge of chemistry and microbiology techniques and technical skills.
- Must be able to operate or have the ability to learn to operate state-of the-art technical equipment.
- Must have ability to organize and prioritize work; detail oriented.
- Must have good interpersonal skills to interact at a professional level.
- Must be able to use a computer as necessary to meet job demands.
- Ability to handle stress especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload.
- Strong character traits required including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, and honesty.
- Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- M.S. degree in plant pathology, plant biology, microbiology or related field of biological sciences and/or a B.S. degree in these fields with more than 5 years of experience in seed health testing.
EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:
- A minimum five years’ experience in scientific research and laboratory operations, with knowledge of seed and plant biology required.
- Demonstrated expertise in seed health testing required. Experience with molecular techniques preferred but not required
- Must have demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate laboratory activities.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Must be able to work with laboratory chemicals, pesticides, and other possible irritating substances.
- Must be able to sit for long periods of time (70%).
- Must be able to wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required (protective gloves 40% of the time).
- Must be able to work occasional overtime, including weekend and holidays.
- This is a full-time, onsite position.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
- Salary: $67,000 - $69,000 per year
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
- Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
- 401k program with company match
- Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
- Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
- Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
- Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
- 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
- Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
- Company provided EAP
- Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps
*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.
