Reports to:  R&D Director and General Manager
FLSA: Exempt, Full Time
Salary DOE - $72,000
Hours: Variable, depending on business needs

About the Role

The Station Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, effective and efficient operation of the Yuma Research Station, including people, research crop execution, field and greenhouse operations, facilities, equipment, budgets and operational resources. The position works closely with the Breeding Team to translate research requirements and priorities into executable station plans and supports off-site experimental trials as required.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees field and greenhouse operations to ensure research crops, breeding nurseries and trials are completed on time and meet established quality standards.
• Works with the breeding director, breeders and staff to develop station plans, schedule labor, allocate land/ greenhouse space, utilize equipment and other resources based on program priorities.
• Coordinates planting, crop rotation, crop establishment, irrigation, fertility, crop protection, cultural practices, production and harvest forecasting.
• Collaborates with external organizations regarding use of irrigation water and isolation for seed production.
• Monitors crop performance and work progress and takes corrective action as needed to maintain crop quality and schedules.
• Supports research data collection and ensures required records and data quality checks are completed.
• Leads station employees and manages contracted labor, including setting priorities, coordinating work, providing direction and addressing performance or labor issues.
• Manages relationships with contracted labor providers, suppliers and other service providers.
• Maintain external grower, university and supplier networks needed to support research programs. 
• Develops and manages the station operating budget and plans for capital investments, equipment replacement and infrastructure needs.
• Oversees station facilities, greenhouses, irrigation systems, vehicles, farm equipment and infrastructure to ensure they are properly maintained and meet research needs.
• Implement and enforce site biosecurity procedures, including access controls, visitor management, material accountability, transportation, storage, inventory control, and incident reporting.
• Support risk assessments for biological materials, research activities, facility operations, and changes to processes or infrastructure.
• Ensure appropriate segregation, containment, labeling, storage, handling, transfer, and disposal practices are followed for biological materials in accordance with applicable requirements and approved procedures.
• Maintain appropriate chain-of-custody and inventory controls for regulated or sensitive biological materials, where applicable.
• Ensures station operations meet company policies, procedures and safety standards are followed.  Including but not limited to: worker protection safety, pesticide storage and handling, environmental, water and other regulatory compliance.
• Manages fertility and calculates fertilizer applications.
• Identifies and implements improvements to station processes, equipment and technology to improve quality, efficiency, capacity, safety and reliability.
• Develop a station culture aligned with company values and participate in international operational teams. 

Skills, Qualifications and Education

• BS or BA in Agricultural Science or other Agricultural related study  or demonstrated ability to perform essential job functions.
• Five years’ experience in vegetable production, equivalent experience or demonstrated ability to perform essential job functions.
• Licensed Pesticide Applicator certification required, or must obtain license within four months of hire.
• Excellent communication skills through oral presentations and written reports in English, Spanish, and/or Japanese language skills is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Power Point, and Teams.
• Knowledge of open field/greenhouse production, irrigation, fertility, crop protection, equipment & infrastructure
• Experience managing budgets, resources, vendors/contractors; capital/infrastructure planning preferred
• Proven ability to solve challenging problems and work with minimal direction while adapting to changing priorities including upholding the Company Vision, Mission and Culture while working with internal and external colleagues.
• Express confidence and professionalism with cross functional teams, both internally and externally.
• Ability to work in a rapid paced environment, prioritize tasks, meet multiple deadlines, and ensure that work is accomplished in a timely fashion. 

Physical Demands/Working Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time and periodically lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and/or sit in front of a computer screen for extended periods of time.
• Work is performed outdoors, in greenhouses and in a standard office environment, with visits to production fields, greenhouses, and vegetable processing environments, which may include cold, wet, hot, and humid conditions.

Application

Please apply to
Nancy O'Connor
St. Director, Human Resources
noconnor@takii.com 

Disclaimer:  This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and other duties as assigned. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: American Takii, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status not listed here.