Careers

Position Summary

The Agricultural Specialist I position is focused on supporting the Research and Production team in growing and maintenance of variety trials, breeding workshops, and seed production crops at the Albion Research Facility and surrounding contracted fields during the growing season. During the off-season, this position will report to either the Fairfield or Winslow locations and will be focused on supporting either center's operations. This is a full-time, hourly position. Wage starting at $15/hr based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform farm production tasks (planting, irrigation, weed control, pest management, crop maintenance, harvest, seed cleaning, etc.) and other special projects well and on time.
• Participate in morning meetings.
• Provide feedback to supervisor regarding production needs.
• Safe equipment operation and facilities maintenance.
• End of season clean-up of fields, equipment, and facilities.
• Processing commercial bulk seed orders (50-70 lbs.).
• Locating incoming material in various stockrooms.
• Locating material within the Johnny's inventory systems.
• Restacking of material, shrink-wrapping and identification.
• Assisting the receiver as needed with sampling, labeling, or receiving.
• Assisting cycle counters as needed with locating and weighing.
• Assist in daily order shipments; by gathering, checking, packing, shipping, stocking and other duties as needed.
• Pack seed into commercial and consumer sizes using various hand or mechanical means available.
• Large scale items -1lb and 5lb bags.
• Basic computer and math skills are required.
• Comfortable working in a repetitive processes environment.
• Ability to follow processes and detailed instructions.
• Familiar with conversions of oz/lb into grams.
• Able to work overtime and weekends as the position dictates.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Complete all necessary trainings.

Education

• Applied knowledge of organic and sustainable farming operations.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of one season as a seasonal farm crew member (or equivalent experience), or existing full-time employment in another department at JSS.
• Previous participation in basic tractor and tool training. Training can occur after hire, with manager's approval.
• Participation in training/educational efforts to stay current with job responsibilities.
• Participation in specialized production team(s), as needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and other basic computer applications.
• Thorough understanding of key Johnny's research farm enterprises and systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, dependability, and a strong work ethic. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Analytical and creative problem solver.
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced and productive environment.
• Hold a valid Maine driver's license.
• Ability to operate pallet jacks.
• Working in a safe and effective manner is required.
• Able to maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a positive and professional manner with internal and external customers.
• Ability to respect the core values of the company and comply with the company's policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to read, count, and write to accurately complete all documentation.
• Ability to work in less than ideal weather conditions.
• Agility to work and navigate on uneven, rocky ground.
• Ability to bend, pull, push, and lift up to 70 lbs. repetitively.
• Ability to climb stationary ladders.
• Ability to stand/walk for up to 8+ hours per day.

Benefits

• Customary Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing
• 401(k)
• Employee Discount
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Educational Assistance

JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS was established in 1973 by our Founder, Rob Johnston, Jr. Today we are 100% Employee Owned. Johnny’s mission is Helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service.

Johnny’s is renowned for our exceptional customer service offering seeds, tools, supplies and information to direct-market growers and avid home gardeners. We source, breed, trial, and sell outstanding selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally.

We are a strong, stable company focused on growth while still maintaining our small company feel and staying true to our roots. Beautiful Central Maine, where our research farm, warehouse, and offices are located, is the perfect launching point for an active, four-season lifestyle. Geographically situated halfway between Maine’s mountains and its 4500-mile-long coastline, we’re a short drive away from resorts, parks, and harbors renowned for a rich diversity of recreational and cultural opportunities.

If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with fellow co-owners who are passionate about our mission and values, Johnny’s may be the place for you!

Johnny’s Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

03/20/2024