At a Glance
- Tasks: Support seed production, processing, and inventory management for sorghum seeds.
- Company: Join Advanta, a global leader in innovative seed solutions.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience with competitive pay and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Seasonal overtime and diverse tasks ensure no two days are the same.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food security while working outdoors and in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in agriculture or related field; strong attention to detail and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 41850 - 51150 £ per year.
Advanta is a global seed business adapting to rapidly increasing food insecurity and climate change by providing farmers with innovation and new technologies.
As part of UPL Group, Advanta aims to deliver high quality seeds with excellent agronomic practices and crop protection solutions.
Advanta operates in over 80 countries under global brands of Advanta, Alta and Pacific Seeds.
Advanta holds a leadership position in tropical and sub-tropical geographies in corn, grain and forage sorghum, sunflower, canola, rice, and a variety of vegetables.
With over 60 years' experience in plant genetics, Advanta provides seeds technology that ensures crop performance and farmers prosperity.
Position Summary
The Foundation Seed Associate is responsible for supporting all aspects of pre-commercial sorghum seedproduction, processing, inventory management, and distribution in the United States.
This position plays acritical role in maintaining the quality, identity, and availability of foundation and parent seed used forhybrid seed production and commercial testing.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on individual who enjoys working both in the field and in a seed processing facility.
This position requires exceptional attention to detail, a strong work ethic, leadership ability, and acommitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Primary Responsibilities
- Seed Processing & Inventory
- Oversee the processing, treatment, packaging, labeling, and storage of all U. S. pre-commercialsorghum seed.
- Operate and maintain seed conditioning and processing equipment.
- Apply seed treatments accurately while following all stewardship and safety requirements.
- Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure complete traceability of all seed lots.
- Package and prepare foundation seed and parent seed for hybrid seed production.
- Prepare and ship hybrid trial seed for Commercial and Technical Development teams for testing, demonstrations, and sales support.
- Conduct quality sampling and assist with seed quality evaluations.
- Maintain warehouse organization, cleanliness, and seed hygiene standards to preventcontamination from insects, rodents, weeds, or foreign material.
- Field Operations
• Assist with all phases of foundation seed production, including
- Planting
- Nursery management
- Pollination
- Data collection
- Harvest
- Threshing
- Seed cleaning
- Packaging
- Inventory management
- Collect accurate agronomic observations and production notes during research and foundation seednurseries.
- Assist with rogueing, isolation maintenance, weed control, and field inspections.
- Operate tractors, sprayers, and other agricultural equipment safely and efficiently.
- Spray production fields and isolation areas when necessary.
- Assist other seed production teams as seasonal priorities require.
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead seasonal crews and coordinate daily work assignments.
- Communicate effectively with both English- and Spanish-speaking employees; conversational Spanish is highly preferred.
- Collaborate closely with Foundation Seed, Parent Seed, Hybrid Seed Production, Technical Development, Commercial, and Operations teams.
- Represent the Foundation Seed program professionally while building positive working relationships across departments.
- Data Management & Technology
- Maintain accurate digital records for inventory, production, shipments, and field activities.
- Enter production data into company databases with a high level of accuracy.
- Support the implementation and adoption of new technologies, software platforms, automation, drones, and digital agriculture tools.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve operational efficiency through technology and processimprovements.
Safety & Quality - Follow all company safety policies and actively contribute to a strong safety culture.
- Maintain high standards of seed identity preservation and quality assurance.
- Ensure compliance with all seed handling, treatment, environmental, and stewardship requirements.
- Maintain an organized, clean, and professional warehouse and work environment at all times.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, or a relatedfield; or equivalent agricultural experience.
- Experience operating agricultural equipment or seed processing equipment.
- Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and data entry systems.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in varying weather conditions.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated leadership ability and willingness to work across multiple teams.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Preferred
- Previous experience in the seed industry.
- Experience with seed conditioning, seed treatment application, and warehouse operations.
- Conversational Spanish.
- Commercial Applicator License or willingness to obtain one.
- Experience operating tractors, sprayers, forklifts, and other agricultural equipment.
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Drone License), or willingness to obtain certification.
- Experience with inventory management systems and digital agriculture technologies.
- Seasonal Focus
- Winter
Seed processing
Inventory management
Packaging and labeling
Warehouse organization
Quality sampling
Shipment preparation
Equipment maintenance
Spring, Summer & Fall
Foundation nursery operations
Planting and pollination
Agronomic observations and data collection
Harvest, threshing, and seed cleaning
Working Conditions
This position involves a combination of warehouse, processing plant, and outdoor agricultural work.
Seasonal overtime may be required during planting, pollination, harvest, and seed processing periods.
Thesuccessful candidate should be comfortable working independently while also contributing effectivelywithin cross-functional teams.
We are one team, for maximum impact.
One team with shared goals.
We all play for the team and no one plays against the team.
We have a laser-like focus on what our customers need and want, on anticipating their future needs and on how we can create innovative solutions and experiences for them.
#Advanta Jobs
Seed Production Associate in Hereford employer: UPL
UPL is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees while leading the charge in sustainable agriculture. With a strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental protection, UPL fosters a collaborative work culture where innovation thrives, offering ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Located at a Lower Tier COMAH site, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that values their contributions and encourages continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seed Production Associate in Hereford
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
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✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Seed Production Associate in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
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Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what UPL does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at UPL
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with UPL will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at UPL.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with UPL.