See below for Dryer/Furnace Operator & Onion Stock Seed Manager in Caldwell, Idaho and Agricultural Research Associate in Mesquite, New Mexico
Dryer / Furnace Operator
Job summary:
Seeking a detail-oriented team player with strong analytical skills to collect seed samples according to AOSA rules and run moisture tests on them. This role requires accuracy, dependable follow-through, and the ability to enter sampling data correctly into the computer system.
This is a physically demanding position. The role requires climbing ladders, standing on uneven surfaces, working at heights, and maintaining strong attention to detail while collecting and entering data accurately.
Reports to: Seed Conditioning Manager
Shift: Graveyard - 10% shift differential
Responsibilities/Skills:
Pulling seed samples to conduct moisture tests.
Follow the sampling techniques laid down in the AOSA rules.
- Review seed sampling procedure documents in detail before collecting samples.
Must have computer skills for entering data into the system.
- Report any quality concerns or non-conformances to the Seed Conditioning Manager.
- Forklift certification required; training is available.
- Seed sampling or certifications preferred but not required.
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
- Excellent English communication skills (verbal & written).
- Must be able to lift 25#
- Must be able to work at heights.
- Must be able to work alone.
Onion Stock Seed Manager
Location: Caldwell, ID
Employment Type: Full-time, Salaried, with Benefits
Compensation: DOE
Education: Master of Science in biology, horticulture, agronomy, or related field
Industry: Agriculture
Manages Others: Yes
Required Travel: Yes
Department: Shared – R&D / Production
Reports to: Research Manager
Position Overview
The Onion Stock Seed Manager is responsible for coordinating onion stock seed activities that support research, breeding, quality control, and commercial seed production. This role supervises seasonal labor crews, manages field and inventory processes, supports production research projects, and works closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise seasonal labor and rouging crews to complete field operations safely, efficiently, and accurately.
- Coordinate onion seed isolation cages, including setup, maintenance, and removal.
- Plant, harvest, clean, process, label, inventory, and store onion bulbs, seed, stock seed lots, research lots, and related materials.
- Manage inventory records and maintain accurate labeling, storage, and tracking of seed and research materials.
- Support onion breeding, research, quality control, purity grow-outs, and commercial seed production activities as needed.
- Operate and maintain equipment while keeping work areas organized, clean, and safe.
- Assist with the planning, implementation, evaluation, and summarization of production research projects.
- Provide project status updates, reviews, evaluations, and reports for research activities to appropriate individuals.
- Work independently and as part of a team by sharing responsibilities, ideas, and input to support meaningful and thorough outcomes.
- Collaborate professionally with growers, customers, nursery providers, and other external partners.
- Protect confidential information and share information appropriately within and outside the Crookham organization.
- Travel to other locations, including out-of-state and international sites, to become familiar with the full Crookham breeding program and company objectives.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in biology, horticulture, agronomy, or related field.
- Knowledge of agriculture and interest in plant breeding or seed production.
- Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to supervise and motivate seasonal employees.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to seasonal demands.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, lift up to 50 pounds, and perform physically demanding work.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in agricultural research, commercial agriculture, seed production, or crop production.
- Experience leading employees or seasonal labor crews.
- Familiarity with irrigation systems, field equipment, or research trial management.
- Familiarity with chemical applications.
- Forklift certification or willingness to achieve one.
Work Schedule:
This is a full-time salaried position. Typical hours are eight-hour days, Monday through Friday, with some Saturday work required during planting, pollination, and harvest seasons.
Compensation & Benefits:
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Comprehensive health and benefits package
- 401(k) and profit sharing
- Company-provided vehicle, cell phone, and computer
- Four weeks of paid leave provided at the beginning of each year, prorated in the year of hire based on start date, with additional leave earned through years of service
- Professional growth and long-term career advancement opportunities.
Why Join Our Team?
Join an experienced team committed to integrity, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. If you are dependable, resourceful, and interested in building a long-term career in the seed industry, we encourage you to apply.
Agricultural Research Associate
Location: Mesquite, New Mexico
Grow Your Career with Us
We are seeking a motivated, hands-on Agricultural Research Associate to support onion breeding and seed production in Mesquite, New Mexico. This role works across the full production cycle, including planting, pollination, harvest, seed processing, trial support, and field data collection.
What You’ll Do
Key responsibilities include:
Coordinate breeding trials, including setup, planting, evaluation, harvest, and data entry.
Supervise seasonal labor crews to complete field operations safely, efficiently, and accurately.
Coordinate onion seed isolation cages, including setup, maintenance, and removal.
Plant, harvest, clean, process, label, inventory, and store onion bulbs, seed, and research lots.
Work with the Farm Manager to organize daily field priorities and address field challenges.
Support customer and research trials in coordination with sales representatives.
Operate and maintain equipment while keeping work areas organized and safe.
Support onion breeding, research, and commercial seed production activities as needed.
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biology, horticulture, agronomy, plant science, or a related field; or five years of relevant agricultural experience in lieu of a degree.
Knowledge of agriculture and interest in plant breeding or seed production.
Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to supervise and motivate seasonal employees.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to seasonal demands.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, lift up to 50 pounds, and perform physically demanding work.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in agricultural research, commercial agriculture, seed production, or crop production.
Experience leading employees or seasonal labor crews.
Familiarity with irrigation systems, field equipment, or research trial management.
Work Schedule
This is a full-time salaried position. Typical hours are eight-hour days, Monday through Friday, with some Saturday work required during planting, pollination, and harvest seasons.
Compensation & Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Competitive salary based on experience
Comprehensive health and benefits package
401(k) and profit sharing
Company-provided vehicle, cell phone, and computer
Four weeks of paid leave provided at the beginning of each year, prorated in the year of hire based on start date, with additional leave earned through years of service
Professional growth and long-term career advancement opportunities
Why Join Our Team?
Join an experienced team committed to integrity, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. If you are dependable, resourceful, and interested in building a long-term career in the seed industry, we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a resume and any relevant technical experience for consideration to hr@crookham.com.
Summer Work Positions Filled
We’ve had an overwhelming number of past summer employees express interest in returning this summer. As a result, we are not currently accepting new applications for the summer season. We will let you know when other opportunities become available.
For those returning this summer: we will begin the hiring process in the coming weeks and look forward to seeing you soon!
Crookham Employment application (click here)
Right to Work Information
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