Lab/Production Associate

Wyffels Hybrids•Atkinson, IL

17h•Onsite

About The Position

At Wyffels Hybrids, we’re not just a company; we’re a tight-knit family of entrepreneurs and problem-solvers. Our values of Integrity, Perseverance, Respect, Empowerment, and Passion drive everything we do, from fostering a supportive culture to achieving triple-digit growth over the last decade. Join us and be part of a winning team that’s the #1 Independent Seed Brand in the Central Corn Belt, committed to doing 100 Little Things better each day. As our Lab/Production Associate, you will provide support to a variety of tasks associated with general plant operations and field activities, with responsibilities that vary seasonally and may include detasseling, harvesting, conditioning, packaging, warehousing, and seed quality testing. Work Schedule: From approximately mid-August through February 1, this position will primarily support the Quality Lab and typically work Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During harvest season (August through November), occasional half-day Saturdays may be required. From February 1 through mid-August, the position will support Production operations and typically work Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Overtime opportunities may be available during April, May, and July, and occasional Saturdays may be required in July to support field activities and seasonal operations.

Requirements

Ability to safely perform job duties efficiently while maintaining seed quality standards.
Ability to learn, operate, and troubleshoot equipment by following instructions and established procedures.
Willingness to work in both indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather and environmental conditions, including hot, cold, wet, and dry conditions.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, anticipate operational needs, and make sound independent decisions.
Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and safe work practices.
Strong organizational, time management, and attention-to-detail skills.
Ability to complete Wyffels Powered Industrial Truck training and become a certified forklift operator.
Knowledge of OSHA General Industry standards and safe operating procedures.
Basic understanding of plant science, seed physiology, and seed quality principles.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Must possess a valid driver's license and remain insurable under the company auto policy.

Nice To Haves

Two to three (2-3) years of on-the-job or related agricultural experience preferred.
Associate’s degree in an ag-related field preferred.
Possession or ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is coveted.

Responsibilities

Assist with seed inventory management, including sampling, storage organization, sample preparation, and shipment of samples for off-site testing.
Perform preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and coordinate with Production Technicians and supervisors to identify, communicate, and address maintenance needs.
Complete basic computer transactions, including data entry, tag/FF card creation, inventory control, quality documentation, and record maintenance in accordance with company procedures and quality management systems.
Conduct seed quality testing activities, including germination, purity, Test sizing and other evaluations, while documenting and reporting results in compliance with applicable procedures and regulations.
Support seasonal field and seed operations, including field inspections, cutter and tire-puller machine operation, grow-out plot activities, retagging carryover seed, and rebagging backhauled seed.
Support seed logistics and distribution activities, including prestaging seed for delivery and transporting seed to customers and Seed Representatives as needed.
Communicate effectively with co-workers and management to improve safety, efficiency, quality, accuracy, and operational performance.
Demonstrate a willingness to learn new seed quality testing methods and obtain a chemical operator's license.
Provide supervision and direction to seasonal staff when assigned.
Perform all duties in a safe manner, following company policies and procedures while ensuring the safety of co-workers.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.