Field Program Manager
The Washington State Crop Improvement Association (WSCIA) is seeking a Field Manager to lead field certification activities from its office in Pullman, Washington. WSCIA is responsible for certification of small grain, chickpea, lentil, pea, buckwheat, sorghum, and millet seed, along with forest reproductive materials. Most field duties take place from March through September each year. Outside of the field season, the Field Program Manager will have administrative duties at the Business Office, including verification of certification status and maintenance of grower files, and may support field activities of the Washington State Crop Improvement Foundation Seed Service.
Primary Position Duties:
- Process and approve applications for seed certification, oversee field inspection and re-inspection reports. Coordinate and supervise seasonal field inspections and inspectors.
- Travel to perform field inspections as needed, generally within 200 miles of office. May require overnight stays.
- Receive applications for certification of varieties, and coordinate review with WSCIA committee. Enter approved varieties into WSCIA database system as needed so that varieties can be correctly assessed during field inspection and final certification.
- Maintain field inspection equipment, including computers, fire extinguishers, handheld radios, first aid kits. Schedule automobile lease for field inspectors, and coordinate return of leased vehicles as needed.
- Coordinate jointed goatgrass seed field reclamation program by scheduling inspections during summer months, and soliciting reclamation plans from growers in off-season.
- Maintain website detailing services provided and foundation seed offered by Washington State Crop Improvement Association. Including, but not limited to: updating seed source list, phenotypic and seed variant lists, variety descriptions, newsletters, Certified Seed Buying Guide, and other information.
- Maintain field records, grower files, certification database, membership records, and mailing lists.
- Verify status of seed shipped on bulk certificates, and issue certified seed tags as requested by approved seed conditioners. Record audits of certified seed sales.
- Receive telephone calls and process incoming and outgoing mail. Prepare mailings of regular newsletter and membership drive to seed industry and members.
- Assist with annual meeting preparations and logistics.
- Help maintain office files and office supplies.
- Other duties as assigned by management.
Physical Requirements
- An essential function of the job requires direct interaction with seed, crop, or chaff and anyone with allergies must be able to work on a daily basis with these substances, as contact is inevitable in performing this job.
- Must be physically able to walk agricultural fields, including but not limited to small grains and pulse crops. Terrain is often rough and/or steep, and temperatures extreme.
- Must be able to lift 60 pounds and work long hours seasonally and for extended periods in inclement weather.
- Must be able to sit for extended periods of time, at a desk or in a vehicle.
Required Qualifications
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
- Highly skilled using and learning word processing, spreadsheet, mapping, and database programs.
- Demonstrated competence organizing and prioritizing multiple workloads, meeting deadlines, and exercising adaptability to changing priorities in a busy office setting.
- Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral communications.
- Must possess the ability to learn technical certification programs and requirements, applying them to procedures carried out on a daily basis, as well as experience in communicating these procedures to clientele.
- Ability to apply WAC standards to maintain integrity of seed certification program.
- Ability to work independently and set and meet goals and deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to perform duties with an extremely high level of accuracy and strong attention to detail.
- Bachelor’s degree in agronomy/crop sciences or related discipline OR equivalent experience.
Preferred qualifications
- Ability to evaluate fields to determine sources of biotic or abiotic stress.
- Knowledge of Washington cropping systems and agronomic practices, particularly those that include small grains and pulse crops.
- Knowledge of Seed Certification procedures, policies, and rules.
- Experience with field inspection, scouting of fields, and seed cleaning and handling.
- Experience supervising and motivating other employees.
Compensation: US $37,500-$45,000, vacation pay, 401K program, and health, dental, vision, life & disability insurances. Future opportunities to advance within WSCIA.