Position Summary

This position is a role that supports the Research and Production team in growing and maintenance of variety trials, breeding workshops, and seed production crops at the Albion Research facility and surrounding contracted fields during the growing season. During the off-season, this position requires rotating to the Fairfield Contact Center and will support our customer service operations. This is a full-time, hourly position, reporting to the Assistant Farm Manager and rotating to the Contact Center in the off season. The starting wage is $17.00 an hour with the chance of additional stipends upon rotation to the Contact Center. The start date for this role is the beginning of May.

Responsibilities

While working with the Research and Production team, you will be responsible for various farm production tasks such as planting, irrigation, weed control, pest management, crop maintenance, harvest, seed cleaning, and other special projects and duties as assigned. It is important that all assignments are completed correctly and on time. Many of these tasks will involve working in a repetitive process environment. You will communicate feedback to your supervisor about production needs and participate in mandatory morning meetings. Safety is a top priority, so you must have high expectations for safe equipment operation and facility maintenance. This position may require working overtime and weekends as needed. Completion of all necessary training is mandatory. At the end of the season, work will include cleaning up fields, equipment, and facilities before transitioning to the Contact Center.

When you rotate to the Contact Center you are responsible for providing professional and high-quality customer service with a focus on guiding our commercial farmers and home gardeners. This position is key to the success of our customers and Johnny's Selected Seeds. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated team player with an aptitude for finding the right solutions to customers' needs.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of one season as a Seasonal farm crew member (or equivalent experience), or existing full-time employment in another department at JSS.
• Applied knowledge of organic and sustainable farming operations.
• Previous participation in basic tractor and tool training. Training can occur after hire, with manager's approval.
• Participation in training/educational efforts to stay current with job responsibilities.
• Participation in specialized production team(s), as needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and other basic computer applications.
• Thorough understanding of key Johnny's research farm enterprises and systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, dependability, and a strong work ethic.
• Basic computer and math skills are required.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Analytical and creative problem solver.
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced and productive environment.
• Hold a valid Maine driver's license.
• Ability to operate pallet jacks.
• Ability to follow processes and detailed instructions.
• Working in a safe and effective manner is required.
• Able to maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a positive and professional manner with internal and external customers.
• Ability to respect the core values of the company and comply with the company's policies.
• Proven ability to learn difficult information quickly.
• Deliver a superior experience to our customers and strive for one-call resolution.
• Ability to handle 50+ calls per day.
• Provide accurate and timely responses to our customers through multiple channels.
• Support customers to resolve problems including order status questions, and other concerns and issues

Physical Requirements

• Ability to read, count, and write to accurately complete all documentation.
• Ability to work in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
• Agility to work and navigate on uneven, rocky ground.
• Ability to bend, pull, push, and lift up to 70 lbs. repetitively.
• Ability to climb stationary ladders.
• Ability to stand/walk for up to 8+ hours per day.
• Ability to sit at a computer for at least 75% of the workday.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (PPO, HSA)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing
• 401(k)
• Employee Discount
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Float Holidays
• Paid Holidays
• Educational Assistance

JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS was established in 1973 by our Founder, Rob Johnston, Jr. Today we are 100% Employee Owned. Johnny’s mission is Helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service.

Johnny’s is renowned for our exceptional customer service offering seeds, tools, supplies and information to direct-market growers and avid home gardeners. We source, breed, trial, and sell outstanding selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally.

We are a strong, stable company focused on growth while still maintaining our small company feel and staying true to our roots. Beautiful Central Maine, where our research farm, warehouse, and offices are located, is the perfect launching point for an active, four-season lifestyle. Geographically situated halfway between Maine’s mountains and its 4500-mile-long coastline, we’re a short drive away from resorts, parks, and harbors renowned for a rich diversity of recreational and cultural opportunities.

If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with fellow co-owners who are passionate about our mission and values, Johnny’s may be the place for you!

Johnny’s Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

2/14/2025