Position Summary

The Seed Production Technician is responsible for the production and oversight of parental line Foundation Seed for Johnny's proprietary vegetable and flower seed varieties. The Seed Production Technician coordinates all tasks associated with production of Foundation, Stock and Commercial seed from the delivery of breeder seed through seed harvest and quality testing. This position facilitates the transfer of Foundation Seed to Stock Seed and collects and documents critical varietal information required for successful commercial seed productions. This position works closely and cross-functionally with Plant Breeding, Farm Operations and Fulfillment Operations to ensure timely and successful productions. This position is full-time and based both at Johnny's Research Farm in Albion during the growing season, and seasonally in Johnny's Customer Care department in Fairfield, Maine, dealing directly with Johnny's Customers via telephone and email correspondence.

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Attend and participate in product Breeding team meetings by crop group (Cucurbita, Solanaceae and biannual crops)
• Initiates the introduction of parent line identification as for assignment of part numbers and codes to support new variety introductions for safe keeping in our varietal database.
• Receive and catalog variety-specific traits from Breeding Teams to support future off-farm seed productions.
• Enter Crop Production requests in the Farm Ops Work Request Database System
• Coordinate and schedule crop production tasks with the Greenhouse Team and Farm Operations Team.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance with Farm Operations to ensure crop success.
• Create and follow a schedule of regular scouting and evaluation of all on-farm seed productions.
• Actively participates in both hand and mechanical seed cleaning for both wet-seeded and dry-seeded crops
• Develops and creates an annual Grow Out plan with the Seed Production Manager, and coordinate evaluations of grow-out trials with stakeholders.
• Record crop specific phenotypic data following established criteria and enter data into research database.
• Is a member of the on-farm team assigned to create protocols for virus-transmission prevention in JSS Greenhouses and Fields
• Prepare and submit samples of Foundation, Stock and Commercial Seed production lots for quality testing
• Coordinate the transfer of new Stock Seed and Commercial seed production lots to our Operations Facility in Winslow.
• Record and maintain inventory of foundation seed lots in appropriate databases for new varieties
• Maintain database of parent line descriptions, specific use, and for experimental and existing crops
• Participate in annual production research trials and projects as defined by the Seed Production Team goals

Education

• High school diploma or GED
• BS degree, preferably in a biology or Agriculture-related field of study, or equivalent experience
• Certificate of seed production or seed quality course or workshop preferred

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with/knowledge of general agricultural/horticultural practices and techniques.
• Analytical and creative problem solver.
• Accurate and Observant
• Good arithmetic skills
• Previous experience with or exposure to Seed Production systems preferred.
• Ability to prioritize daily, weekly, monthly and annual tasks and goals
• Ability to self-manage and seek help when necessary.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to build consensus/function as part of multiple teams in the Research and Production Teams.
• High attention to detail, in both hands-on tasks and record keeping
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Phenome I, and inventory software programs
• Valid Maine driver's license

Physical Requirements

• Capable of physically working outdoors, often in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
• Ability to bend, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work around bees and other insects

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing (dependent upon qualifying according to plan documents
• 401(k) (dependent upon qualifying according to plan documents
• Employee Discount
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off

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.

4/28/2025