Production Technician
The Production Technician is involved in all areas of seed production at Wyffels Hybrids and performs any or all of the tasks associated with general plant operations and field activities. Responsibilities vary throughout the year, and may include crop production, detasseling, harvest, conditioning, packaging, or warehousing.
The Production Technician reports to the Plant Operations Manager and may supervise and train seasonal employees throughout the production operation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.
Interact and maintain a positive working relationship with growers, detasseling and rouging contractors, Field Inspectors, and Detasseling Machine Operators.
Receive and process trucks hauling seed corn from the field for weighing and unloading.
Oversee husk and sort operation.
Operate dryer to dry seed corn ears within the prescribed safety, quality, and financial requirements.
Organize and facilitate the shelling and storage of corn from bins in the dryer facility.
Supply the Conditioning department with a constant supply of seed.
Clean and size seed corn.
Apply appropriate treatment to seed.
Label, tag, bag and palletize seed corn.
Enter inventory information into computer.
Retag in-house seed.
Re-bag backhaul (returned) seed.
Organize, store, and maintain inventory of bulk and bagged seed utilizing electronic inventory system.
Stage seed for shipment in warehouse.
Schedule and dispatch vehicles for distributing seed to customers and return of seed during backhaul.
Perform regular and preventative maintenance of equipment in assigned areas
Ensure that employees and equipment are utilized efficiently
Minimize downtime in plant operations
Supervise seasonal staff and schedule work.
Required to work overtime hours including weekends and other shifts during seasonal peaks.
Perform all duties in a safe manner following company policies while also ensuring safety of co-workers and reports.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in ag related field
Two to three (2-3) years of on-the-job or related agricultural experience.
Must possess a valid driver's license and remain insurable under company auto policy.
Possess or willing to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of production agriculture and production plant operations.
Ability to safely perform duties in timely fashion while maintaining seed quality
Willingness to work in a variety of areas outdoors and indoors in hot, cold, wet and dry conditions.
Previous training on field inspection
Ability to work independently or with a team
Effective communication skills
Ability to adjust to changing conditions and anticipate needs
Ability to make independent decisions
Excellent safety habits
Supervisory/coaching/leadership experience
Strong organizational skills
Problem solving and conflict management skills
Basic level of PC skills
Forklift operation
Knowledge of OSHA Standards for General Industry
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The work environment is both outdoors and indoors - in hot, cold, wet, and dry conditions.
Exposure to pollen from corn plants during detasseling season.
Normally does not work at heights above 8 feet but is required to walk catwalk to top of dryer which is 30 feet high.
The noise level is moderate for the majority of the job responsibilities.