PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Assist in the production of high quality field and greenhouse grown vegetables to the standards and expectations established by the operations breeding and research teams by conducting activities which promote uniform and consistent plant growth.

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Labor/Project coordinator, the Seasonal Operations Aide responsibilities will be to provide hands-on support for all typical station greenhouse and field activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, other duties may be assigned:

NOTE: This position requires work on weekends and holidays.

Breeding and Research Support
• Sowing, transplanting, harvesting and seed processing of multiple crops in the field and greenhouse
• Organizing and overseeing other workers in the greenhouse and field
• Conduct training for workers involved in key breeding activities
• Seed packaging, inventory, shipment preparation
Station greenhouse crop and facility management
• Preparing planting media in appropriate containers, sowing, thinning and transplanting of seeds/seedlings
• Hand watering of transplants
• Greenhouse cleanup and disposal of plants, containers, media, etc. after project completion
• Greenhouse set up prior to the start of a new cycle.
• Assist in the application of routine crop protection chemicals and fertilizers.
• General operational support for breeding and plant pathology projects and programs
• Work alongside contract laborers conducting routine operational and breeding activities
Laboratory Support
• Technical support for plant quality analysis on a seasonal basis, including production and analysis of fruit extracts for quality analysis
• Collection and processing of plant tissue samples (seed, leaf, fruit, etc.) for molecular analysis by research teams
• Data entry into breeder or research databases and spreadsheets
• General lab and office operational support activities
Station operations support
• Help set up equipment and tools associated with key station activities including sowing, harvesting, seed
extraction, fruit handling and processing and seed packaging
• Support general site, lab, office or greenhouse activities as needed

Required Knowledge and Skills

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of routine greenhouse growing practices and requirements.
• High level of manual dexterity and ability to complete tasks with a high level of accuracy required
• Must be able to perform job responsibilities and testing activities accurately and efficiently.
• Strong communication, training and supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills in Word, Excel, email programs.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize own work and work of others in the team
• Must be able to work as a team member and also independently as this position will require weekend work often times alone.
• Have good verbal and communication skills.
• Adaptability – Ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Ability and willingness to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Ensures work responsibilities are covered.
• Dependability - Ability to work in an independent and self-directed manner.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 1+ years field/greenhouse operations experience in a research or production setting.