Seed Research Technician
Supervised by: Germplasm Manager
Status: Full-Time Position
Company Background
Founded in 2013, CoverCress, Inc. (“CCI”) is an innovative startup company delivering a new, climate-smart winter oilseed cash crop. Using plant breeding to improve yield and maturity combined with advanced gene-editing tools to improve the quality and composition of fiber and oil, CCI has converted field pennycress into CoverCress®. Farmers can grow a third cash crop in two seasons by incorporating CoverCress® into their system as a winter crop between the standard corn/soybean rotation. Through a closed-loop commercial system, harvested CoverCress® grain generates farm revenue from two markets – when used in its whole grain form, as a low-inclusion, high-quality protein feed ingredient for broiler chickens and when crushed as an ultra-low-carbon intensity oil for renewable fuel feedstock and a high-quality protein meal for animal feed. In addition to the new farm revenue as a third cash crop in two seasons, CoverCress® provides the ecosystem benefits of a cover crop, including improved soil health and carbon sequestration.
CCI’s headquarters are located in the 39 North AgTech Innovation District in St. Louis, Missouri. 39 North is a 600-acre innovation district anchored by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, BRDG Park, the Helix Incubator, Bayer Crop Science, and the Yield Lab. CCI utilizes first-class lab space at the BRDG building and runs greenhouse operations at the prestigious Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Learn more at CoverCress.com.
Job Description
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented seed research assistant to support our agronomy and breeding R&D program. The candidate will be responsible for all aspects of warehouse seed processing, handling, labeling, packaging, and inventory management. This position provides the opportunity to work within a fast-paced, collaborative team, focused on introducing a new crop into US agriculture.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead pre-planting seed preparation activities including packeting, labelling, and organizing seed material for field testing.
- Post harvest seed processing, cleaning, weighing, labelling, packaging, tracking, and inventory of research materials.
- Work collaboratively with product development and commercial teams to support commercial seed production and farm performance evaluation initiatives.
- Supervise seasonal interns and part time employees.
- Ensure QA/QC practices are followed.
- Maintain a clean and organized warehouse area.
- Conduct all activities with health and safety as a main priority.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential
- An associate or bachelor’s degree in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, or a related field.
- Ability to learn and operate seed processing & analysis equipment such as seed cleaners, moisture testers, dryers, color sorters
- Experience with Microsoft Office tools.
- Excellent communication and leadership.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong time management skills.
- Ability to create Standard Operating Procedures.
- Must be able to operate a forklift.
- Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.
- Willingness to work extended hours during peak seasons.
Desired
- Ability to work in greenhouse and field environments.
- Ability to drive a motor vehicle and to support seasonal travel for field operations. Day trips from our St. Louis base comprise most of the travel.
- Experience with data collection and data management systems.
Benefits
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
CoverCress Inc. is a growing company with a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment with opportunities for growth and professional development.