Universal Seed Company in Independence, OR is an independent, growing and innovative specialized agricultural company that provides a service to its worldwide customer base by producing high quality hybrid vegetable seeds.

Currently we have an opportunity for a Field Representative/Manager to join our professional team.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Field Representative/Manager is responsible for contracting and supervising the production of vegetable seed crops to meet planned volume and seed quality specifications. The Field Representative/Manager carries out supervisory responsibilities of employees and contract growers in accordance with Company policies.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Contracting seed crops with growers.
• Advising growers on proper agronomic practices for seed production.
• Training growers and employees.
• Maintaining good grower relations.
• Maintaining strict quality standards in crop production.
• Crop program planning and implementation. 
• Management of employees.

JOB SUMMARY:

• Contribute to the efficient running of the business from an operational and production aspect.
• For all crops assigned, plan, supervise, manage and monitor contracted acreage throughout the Willamette Valley.
• Supervise crop management (planting, disease control, roguing, harvest).
• Responsible for monitoring and reporting any changes or issues with the different production sites.
• Maintain records on each crop and provide weekly crop status updates to Management.
• Select and contract growers and recommend grower contract prices.
• Maintain knowledge of field history to prevent contamination due to volunteers of like species or loss due to residual chemical carryover.
• Supervise planting of stock seed for trueness to type, accuracy of planting rate, depth and securing of all leftover stock.
• Supervise field operations/crews: (trans)planting, flailing, training, roguing, etc.
• Coordinate and supervise roguing activities.
• Update crop estimates and delivery dates on a regular basis.
• Schedule and monitor all harvest activities to maintain quality adherence and timely delivery of seed to meet customer ship dates.
• Resolve grower and/or customer issues.
• Develop, monitor and document the results of new varieties each year.
• Evaluate new equipment, chemicals, and/or practices that may apply to future production.
• Assist in writing revisions to production manuals.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science.
• Solid experience in production agriculture/seed production.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.
• Sound computer skills in Microsoft Office programs.
• Good self-management skills, motivated and focused.
• Positive attitude with an ability to learn and adapt to new situations.
• Good people skills and an ability to work within a team environment.
• Consultant’s license.

COMPENSATION:

Competitive salary and benefits package including medical, life, disability, retirement plan.

APPLICATION

Please send application and resume to Nick Tichinin.
E-mail nick@universalseed.com