Principal Accountabilities
This position is responsible for reliable and timely supply of Foundation Seed that is of
the highest genetic purity and physical condition. The Crop Specialist will provide a
service of seed supply and information to internal customers. The position may be
based at any Technology or Production site under direct supervision of the Foundation
Manager or higher level Crop Specialist. The role may be expanded to include
additional responsibilities to support business.
Oversee a regional Foundation Seed maintenance program for assigned crop(s)
May manage and guide the development of an assistant and/or technician and
manage temporary workers as needed
Maintain accurate records of FS increases including inventory, purity, and
disease testing for assigned crops.
Oversee inventory management of assigned crops
Work with Research staff and Crop Teams for technical support and
advancement of new parent lines
Interact with Supply Team and Quality Assurance departments to be aware of
inventory position and quality of seed being used
Oversee gathering information for proposed hybrid/variety advancement review
to determine whether or not parental lines are in place
Attend planning meetings, plan for increases to meet the needs of SS, phase 4
CS, breeder trials and TD trial needs
Ensure that FS increases remain genetically pure by managing appropriate purity
testing while increasing enough seed to meet customer needs
Maintain inventories in storage and track inventories, shipments and quality
information in appropriate database(s), including but not limited to Access, FTS
and SAP
Oversee operations including but not limited to seed preparation, seed sowing,
rogueing, harvesting, conditioning, seed storage and shipments
Travel to off site locations for increases, PGO’s and meetings
Work with Site Management, Production and/or Breeding Team to accomplish
seed increases in field and/or greenhouse
Evaluate new parental lines from Breeders to ensure lines are genetically fixed
Ensure seed produced meets quality specifications
Communicate seed quantity, quality and descriptive characteristics with
Breeders, Scientists, Supply Team, Crop Teams, Product Managers and/or
Technology Development
May serve on and/or lead job interview committees
Manage all aspects of safety and compliance or other supporting activities
Serve on safety teams as needed
Host visitors and/or tours when needed
Effectively prepare and present FS information in formal and/or informal
meetings
Train and give guidance to other members of the FS team
May manage cost elements of a budget
