Position Summary

The Farm Technician IV is the most senior staff member of the farm team and has advanced agricultural knowledge and supervisory skillsets. This position will work closely with the Assistant Farm Manager to help supervise and direct the daily farm schedule and will be expected to work both independently and in group settings to advance the goals of the Farm Operations Department. Daily responsibilities will include direct roving oversight of teams with training, guidance and feedback authority, and will have additional duties in providing excellent crop care outcomes through a professional understanding of advanced farming techniques. This is a leadership role, and Tech IV's will be expected to model exemplary behavior and strive to achieve very high standards of performance.

This position is full-time, salary exempt, at the Albion Research Farm and reports to the Assistant Farm Manager but will be required to rotate during the off-season to the Fairfield Contact Center.

Responsibilities

While working as a Farm Technician IV, you will be responsible for overseeing various farm production tasks. You will work closely with the Assistant Farm Manager to extend management support to the various teams and individuals who will be working in the field on any given day. You will guide, direct, and model best practices with an eye towards the efficient and accurate completion of tasks, communicating feedback to your supervisor about any issues that may arise in the field, and you will be empowered to address problems as they occur. You will assist in the performance review process as an additional source of information and perspective and help the Assistant Farm Manager advance the performance objectives of other farm team members. You will communicate feedback to your supervisor about production needs and both participate as well as potentially lead morning meetings. These responsibilities are primary, but secondary duties will include helping provide a high level of service to crop owners. 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 rotating off-site.

In addition to your primary responsibilities, you will rotate to the Contact Center to provide professional, high-quality customer service. In this role, you will guide our commercial farmers and home gardeners, contributing significantly to their success and to the overall success of Johnny's Selected Seeds. A self-motivated team player, you will have an aptitude for finding practical solutions to meet customers' needs.

You will also be expected to maintain balanced work areas across all JSS locations and departments by working quickly and accurately while keeping the work environment clean and safe.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of three (3) years as a Farm Tech III or five (5) or more years of organic and sustainable farming practices. 
• Experience with direct employee leadership and familiarity with running a daily farm schedule.
• Ability and willingness to provide training and support for team members, as needed.
• Proven experience in operating farm equipment and/or tools.
• Ability to direct and inspire others, and experience with providing constructive criticism/feedback.
• Proven creative thinking and problem-solving abilities that contribute to continuous process improvement.
• Participation in training/educational efforts to stay current with job responsibilities and pursue ongoing professional and skill development opportunities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams and Outlook, ability to read and understand crop maps, including field directives and key production information.
• 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.  
• 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 and procedures.
• 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 sit, stand or 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.

3/20/2025