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 Winslow Operations facility, and will support Operation teams in seed packing, shipping, and warehouse areas. This is a full-time, hourly position, reporting to the Assistant Farm Manager. Starting wage is $17.00 an hour. 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 Operations.

While working in Operations, you will be responsible for various operations tasks within the seed packing, shipping, and warehouse departments. You will pack seed into commercial and consumer sizes using various hand or mechanical means available. Being comfortable working in a repetitive process environment and the ability to follow processes and detailed instructions are essential. Familiarity with conversions of ounces/pounds into grams is required.

Shipping and warehouse functions include locating incoming material in different stockrooms, finding material using inventory systems, rearranging material, shrink-wrapping, and labeling. You may also need to assist the receiver with sampling, labeling, or receiving; support cycle counters with locating and weighing. Additionally, you will support daily order shipments by gathering, checking, packing, shipping, stocking, and performing other duties as needed. You will use handheld units for accurate inventory picking and tracking and prepare inventory for the shipping department.

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.

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.

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