POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Assistant Seed Manager, the Seed Production Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient conditioning, treatment, packaging, storage and movement of seed products while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance.
This is a hands-on role suited to an individual who enjoys agriculture, working outdoors, operating equipment and solving mechanical problems. The successful candidate is dependable, safety-conscious and adaptable, with the ability to work in an environment where production priorities can change throughout the day based on customer demand and seasonal requirements.
Working both indoors and outdoors, the Seed Production Technician operates seed processing equipment, tractors, forklifts and material handling equipment while assisting with equipment maintenance, housekeeping and facility operations. The role requires working with seed treatment chemicals, performing equipment clean downs, working in dusty environments, and occasionally working in confined spaces while following all established safety procedures and ISO quality standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Operate seed conditioning, cleaning, grading, treatment and packaging equipment to produce high-quality soybean and wheat seed that meets ISO quality standards and customer specifications.
- Calculate, measure and accurately mix seed treatment products according to prescribed formulations and operating procedures.
- Safely handle agricultural chemicals used in seed treatment and equipment clean down processes while following WHMIS requirements, Safe Work Procedures and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Monitor production processes, inspect product quality and make equipment adjustments to ensure consistent product quality and production efficiency.
- Perform routine equipment inspections, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, minor mechanical repairs and adjustments to ensure adequate tolerances for quality and consistent product output, and to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
- Operate tractors, forklifts and other mobile equipment to transport seed, materials and equipment throughout the production facility and yard.
- Operate augers, conveyors, grain vacs and other material handling equipment to safely move bulk seed.
- Assist with receiving, unloading, storage and shipping activities, including set up and clean up of receiving equipment, wagons and loading systems.
- Assist with packaging operations, including bagging, palletizing, labeling and preparing finished product for shipment.
- Complete production records, quality documentation, inventory records and other required documentation accurately and in accordance with ISO procedures.
- Perform daily housekeeping and scheduled clean down activities throughout the production facility, including cleaning equipment containing chemical residue and maintaining a clean, organized and safe work environment.
- Participate in confined space work when properly trained and authorized.
- Assist with continuous improvement initiatives by identifying production, quality or safety improvements.
- Work safely and comply with all Company policies, Safe Work Procedures, Health and Safety legislation, environmental requirements and ISO quality standards.
- Report equipment deficiencies, quality concerns, hazards, near misses and safety incidents promptly to manager.
- Provide support to other departments as required during peak seasonal operations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Required
- Previous experience working in agriculture, farming, grain handling, manufacturing, production or a related industrial environment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and perform minor repairs.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to consistently follow detailed procedures.
- Ability to prioritize work and adapt quickly to changing production schedules.
- Strong work ethic with excellent attendance and reliability.
- Effective verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License with reliable transportation.
Preferred Assets
- Previous experience operating tractors and other agricultural equipment.
- Experience operating forklifts or other powered industrial equipment.
- Previous experience working in a seed processing, grain handling or agricultural manufacturing facility.
- Experience working within an ISO 9001 or other regulated quality management environment.
- Knowledge of seed conditioning, seed treatment or grain handling processes.
- Experience performing preventative maintenance on mechanical equipment.
- WHMIS certification.
- Working at Heights certification.
- Confined Space certification.
- Fall Protection, Aerial Lift, Elevated Work Platform, Hoisting & Rigging or similar safety certifications.
- Standard First Aid & CPR certification.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Shift days and times may vary depending on departmental and/or seasonal demands. Ability to work extended hours, weekends and overtime required during seasonal production periods.
- Participate in compulsory training as deemed necessary for the role.
- CSA steel toed construction grade safety boots in designated area(s).
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Passion for agriculture and working in a hands-on environment.
- Ability to follow written work instructions, SOPs and quality procedures.
- Basic math and measurement skills.
- Safety Focus
- Mechanical Aptitude
- Quality Orientation
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Problem Solving
- Accountability
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Initiative
- Time Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Dependability
- Communication Skills
- Customer Service Mindset
- Agricultural Awareness
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Majority of work performed in an agricultural seed processing facility and outdoor work environment.
- Exposure to changing weather conditions, dust, noise, moving machinery and vibration.
- Frequent operation of or working around tractors, forklifts and industrial processing equipment.
- Regular handling of agricultural chemicals while following safe handling procedures.
- Occasional confined space entry and work at heights following established safety procedures.
- Frequent lifting, climbing, working at heights, walking, bending, kneeling, crawling, twisting and repetitive physical movements.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Opportunities for skill development in agriculture
- Competitive wages and career growth opportunities
- Comprehensive group health benefits program; shared co-pay
- Employee Assistance Program
- Group RSP with company matching, starting at 3%
- Paid time off
- Boot allowance for CSA grade protective footwear
- Company apparel allowance
- Meal reimbursement allowance program
- Hands on learning environment
We look forward to reviewing your application!
Devolder Farms Inc. prides itself on being an award-winning industry leader within the agriculture sector. Centrally located between Sarnia and Windsor, we provide a full line up of innovative, cost effective, high performance based ag products and solutions. Supported by expert sales, design, and installation services, with a custom fabrication shop and fully stocked warehouse, we operate as a year round business and remain committed to providing rewarding and diverse career opportunities for those who want to be part of a team that focuses on safety, quality and productivity.
We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Devolder Farms Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing fair and accessible employment practices, and an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If you are contacted through our recruitment process, please advise Human Resources of your need(s) for accommodation measures, which will be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used solely for the purpose of candidate selection. This is an existing job vacancy.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $23.13-$27.75 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
