Breeder Technician

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY • Elburn, IL

3d • $18 - $20

About The Position

As a Breeder Technician, you will support PanAmerican's breeding and research efforts to bring new flower and vegetable varieties to market. You will perform hands-on plant and seed tasks, collect and record flower and seed data, and help maintain seed inventory and the organized movement of plant materials. You will work closely with breeders, growers, supervisors, and other technicians to maintain the quality of breeding material and meet program timelines. Occasional travel between the West Chicago, Illinois, and Elburn, Illinois, locations is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in groups.
• Basic computer skills.
• Good vision and hand-eye coordination to see and manipulate small objects, including flower parts and seed.
• Ability to partner with others to get work done.
• Personal commitment and taking action to continuously improve.
• Willingness to accept assignments that broaden capabilities.
• Ability to push oneself and help others achieve results.
• Ability to travel occasionally between West Chicago, Illinois, and Elburn, Illinois.
• Ability to lift or carry up to 50 pounds for 10% of the day; push or pull up to 30 pounds for 25% of the day; sit or stand for 100% of the day; kneel or bend for 30% of the day; reach for 10% of the day; and use hands or fingers for 100% of the day.
• Ability to work in normal agricultural, farm, and greenhouse conditions, including noise, odors, and temperature conditions, for 100% of the day.

Responsibilities

• Execute breeding and research tasks accurately, including sowing seed, transplanting, plant maintenance, pollinating, cross-pollinating, data collection, seed harvest, and seed cleaning.
• Ensure the quality of breeding material and that breeding timelines are met.
• Communicate with breeders, grower staff, supervisors, and other technicians to ensure breeding activities are executed accurately.
• Enter flower and seed data accurately.
• Print labels accurately.
• Assist with maintaining an organized seed inventory system.
• Assist with the organized movement of plant materials.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k)/profit-sharing retirement plan
• Paid time off, including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED