Seed Technician

Bayer • Lethbridge, AB

4d • CA$44,800 - CA$99,600 • Onsite

About The Position

Our Seed Technicians are primarily facility-based that assists the Commercial Seed Packaging Team in the production of pedigreed canola seed in a timely and efficient manner, while meeting all quality standards. There are multiple permanent positions available, based out of either the Coaldale or Lethbridge, Alberta sites, both operating between 19-20hrs/day during peak season. Each site focuses on different parts of the seed operation process: Lethbridge works on seed cleaning as their main function with additional responsibilities in parent seed treating and packaging. Coaldale works on certified treating, packaging and warehousing as their main function. Where skillsets align, staff from both sites may flow to support certified seed field operations or facility maintenance programs during the summer.

Requirements

• Team-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and helps drive success for both our operations team, our network of stakeholders and our customers.
• Able to work between 8/10 hour shifts during weekdays with potential overtime. Must have availability to meet overtime demands, including occasional work on weekends and holidays.
• Comfortable using equipment in manufacturing environments.
• Operate a forklift, stacking bins of seed, move pallets on and off racking, using a forklift rotator where required, experience moving wide loads and tall loads safely. Regularly perform Forklift inspections.
• Able and willing to be forklift certified.
• Able and willing to wear a dust mask/respiratory equipment.
• Minimum completed High School Diploma education level.
• Basic knowledge/comfort level of IT (Internet, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, or facility warehouse systems).
• Valid Canadian Driver’s License in good standing. (Drivers’s abstract will be reviewed as part of pre-employment screening).
• Must be able to lift, push, and pull 50 pounds regularly.
• Able and willing to work rotating shifts.
• Must have availability to meet overtime demands, including occasional work on weekends and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in seed production and/or processing.
• Pesticide Applicator Special: Seed Treatment or Authorized Assistant certificate.
• Certification in management systems or continuous improvement practices.
• Previous experience with SAP, Spotfire, Tablo, or Microsoft PowerBI.
• Operator/Grader or Authorized Importer or Approved Conditioner certification through CFIA.
• Forklift certified.
• Fall Protection Training.
• Recent Respirator Fit Testing, able to wear a PAPR unit.
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods training.
• Familiarity with ISTA sampling procedures and requirements.
• Experience with SAP inventory management, Process Orders, Delivery, QA transactions. SAP experience in Master Data configuration.
• Experience with CFIA Phytosanitary certificates and experience working with CFIA representatives.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery / equipment to ensure that seed production processes occur safely, effectively, and with quality in alignment with general procedures of the site.
• Interact with receiving and shipping trucks which may include bulk seed, packaged goods or supplies.
• Possess a safety focused mindset, be willing to identify safety concerns and actively seek to resolve them in a collaborative manner. Actively lead safety programs where needed.
• Operate a forklift, stacking bins of seed, move pallets on and off racking, using a forklift rotator where required, moving wide loads and tall loads safely. Regularly perform Forklift inspections.
• Control plant operations by setting up equipment from control room.
• Clean down equipment following appropriate safety and compliance standards.
• Collect and process QA samples.
• Ability to draw officially recognized samples (Seeds Act) and process them, or able to do so under supervision of an Approved Operator.
• Operate equipment in production sites and leverage real time data to maximize existing procedures.
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections; troubleshoot problems associated with equipment, processes, and systems as needed.
• Support local team in all functions of seed production including processing, packaging, pollinations, and field notes.
• Support areas across sites in driving the adoption of continuous improvement practices and programs (5S, Lean, Six Sigma) conducive to an organized and clean work environment.
• Mentor new employees, perform basic maintenance of equipment, and handle basic activities in Bayer systems.
• Adhere to LOTO when service is needed for maintenance.
• Utilize Focused Improvement (e.g., 5WHYs) techniques to initiate process and standard work improvements.
• Provide coaching and training to seasonal workforce, area trainees and peers supporting achievement and personal development.
• Ensure upstream activities are handled within company standards and business requirements.
• Cultivate partnership with key business partners to plant / field operations.
• Document work permits for contractors by administrative measures as JSA, Hot Work, and Permit to Work documents.
• Use SAP to support administrative procedures, documenting key readings, maintenance orders, production information.
• Maintain key process documentation (operating, start up and shut down procedures; standard work; process flow and instrumentation diagrams; etc.).
• Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to Bayer s Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) standards (e.g. general shop floor/machine safety and operating procedures).
• Comply with internal procedures and support compliance with legal requirements applicable to area activities.
• Participate in and lead meetings as needed; articulating shift objectives and allocating resources accordingly across all active production areas.
• Support and maintain metrics and relevant information on current Visual Management boards to drive teamwork and facilitate shift change over.
• Able to work in a production line and wear PPE necessary for the handling of treated seed and the cleaning of equipment contaminated by treatment.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with Seed Partners and Tollers.
• Experience in Shipping/Receiving and able to learn trade requirements to deliver seed both internally and externally.
• Able to balance priorities and navigate time sensitive requests that require clear and efficient communication with all stakeholders.
• Operate commercial seed treating equipment, ideally with canola.
• Foster an inclusive environment of professionalism and safe working practices ensuring safety and Compliance requirements are met or exceeded within Squad.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and rewards package
• Collaborative, diverse and inclusive culture
• Career development and global opportunities
• Work-life flexibility programs such as flex hours, employee discounts, volunteer days, wellness, and other employee offerings
• Health care
• Vision
• Dental
• Disability
• Contributory retirement savings plans

What This Job Offers

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