Are you interested in a Farm Assistant position that provides technical farming support to a research station? Do you have experience in agriculture, growing, and farm equipment? Do you want to work for a people-oriented company with excellent benefits?  If so, apply for the Farm Assistant full-time position at our location in Gonzales, California.

The vacancy for a Farm Assistant at Rijk Zwaan USA

The purpose of the Farm Assistant role is to assist in delivering on project goals by providing technical assistance on the farm and to support the Station Manager with the functional activities of a research station.

What are the typical responsibilities for the Farm Assistant?

• Functioning as an integral member of a field and greenhouse trialing team, responsible for crop production inputs utilizing irrigation equipment, tractors, planters and other farm implements. Other duties include packaging, mapping, staking, planting, pruning, tying, harvesting, data collection, pollinating, seed processing, and recording information.
• Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety related company policies and practices, including completing all required Company training courses and attending local safety and tailgate meetings.
• On-call for various types of farm emergencies or unscheduled work based on business needs or weather.
• In areas of responsibility and in concert with the farm, assist in determining quantities, and arrange and/or apply needed agricultural chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, fumigants).
• Input and maintain data in functional data systems.
• Involvement in all activities of the selection nurseries, disease and insect screening, and commercial trials.
• Be able to obtain a pesticide applicator and fumigation license.
• Overseeing trial (or R&D) crop requirements and initiating the required actions in consultation with the farm manager.
• Assist in the overseeing of tasks completed by third-party labor to ensure accurate results.
• Effectively communicating regularly and with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional information

• The ideal candidate is Spanish and English speaking with a high school diploma.
• The ideal candidate is able to make growing decisions and recommendations in the areas of irrigation, pest control, and fertilization.  Strong Knowledge and experience growing vegetable crops in the Salinas valley desired.
• Physical demands of the essential functions:  Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in the field or greenhouses.  Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.  Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the research cycle.
• Potential allergens-pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in field or greenhouse.  Exposure to high and low temperatures, sun, rain, high humidity and dust.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Benefits:

Health, Dental, and Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Medical & Dependent Care Reimbursement and 401k Plan.

Interested?

Please upload your resume and cover letter to…
https://recruiting.myapps.paychex.com/appone/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=5022025

You can address your cover letter to Loretta Brown, Office Manager of Rijk Zwaan USA.  If you experience trouble with the link, please contact Loretta Brown for assistance at L.brown@rijkzwaan.com.

Our human resources department will consider your application carefully, which may take some time. You will hear from us as soon as possible.

Rijk Zwaan: your new employer?

Rijk Zwaan is an international family company with a people-oriented culture. Rijk Zwaan is right at the start of the food chain. We develop vegetable varieties and sell the seeds produced from them globally.  We take great pride in contributing to the health and well-being of people all over the world. Rijk Zwaan currently employs over 3,000 people globally in over 30 countries.  Our most important focus is the growth for our people: we give you every opportunity to use your own initiative and achieve your full potential. Working with colleagues to produce the best and tastiest vegetables. Reinforcing, helping and inspiring one another. We continuously strive to work together towards a healthy future.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.