Product Development Specialist chez United Genetics Seeds Co.

Description

About United Genetics

United Genetics was founded in 1990 with headquarters in Hollister, California. What began as a family-owned seed company grew into an international vegetable seed organization with subsidiaries in Italy, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, India, and Jordan.

United Genetics proudly offers top quality processing tomato, fresh market tomato, hot pepper, sweet pepper, watermelon, melon, squash, and cucumbers seed, among others. We focus on the needs of diverse customers along the vegetable supply chain, thinking of the grower by securing the versatility and robustness of the product performance, and the consumer, by focusing on the physical appeal, nutritional value and the taste of the outcome of our genetics.  

Benefits Summary:

We are proud to offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support the physical, financial, and personal well-being of our employees. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Vester and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). 401K with company matching, Life insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid holidays. 

Job Purpose and Summary

The Product Development Specialist is responsible for coordinating crop trial placements and evaluating product performance to assess their potential competitiveness against current commercial varieties. This role involves maintaining accurate, objective trial data in a standardized format to support data-driven decision-making on advancing new varieties. The specialist ensures that trial results are documented, accessible, and shared in a timely manner to facilitate strategic decisions. In addition, this position serves as a key liaison between breeders, sales, and production teams to align product development activities with organizational goals.

Job description

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Plan and execute product development activities in both field and greenhouse settings, including proper timing, labeling, creating maps, and trial placement. 
• Coordinate crop trials for tomatoes, melons, watermelons, peppers and onions, ensuring accurate record-keeping and effective data management. 
• Assist in trial seed sowing, field evaluations, harvests, and quality testing, generating reports for these activities.
• Support all phases of field evaluations, including variety selection, harvest yield determination, grading, sampling, transporting fruit to the laboratory, and conducting quality testing. Prepare and maintain reports and data lists.
• Gather market information on industry standards, seed pricing, and trends affecting breeding strategies and sales forecasts.
• Coordinate dealer and grower visits to showcase advancing varieties and maintain communication with breeders regarding seed inventory and trial placements.
• Support seed inventory reviews for new varieties and maintain communication with breeders to confirm availability and scheduling for future trial placements. Must be comfortable using the ABS inventory system to manage and track seed inventory accurately.
• Provide input on cultural and environmental issues, such as new diseases or water challenges, that may affect grower adoption and sales of new varieties.
• Assist in generating sales forecasts for internal use and providing information for seed production activities. 
• Provide input regarding changes or trends in the market that may affect use of inventory, create inventory and or otherwise cause a shift in the direction of breeding strategies.
• Travel up to 60% of the time to field sites, grower trials, dealer visits, and industry events to evaluate product performance and support regional product development activities.
• Complies with health and safety standards, programs and industry codes in accordance with federal, county and state agencies (CCR Title 8, EPA, RCRA, CERCLA, NFPA, and FDA) and regulations. Follow control measures for exposure to hazardous materials or conditions.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Requirements

Position Dimensions and Qualifications

Internal Contacts:

Breeders, Research Department, Sales Department, Product Management Department, Production Department, Warehouse Department, Quality Department, Office Personnel, Hourly Labor. 

External Contacts:

Dealers, Seed Suppliers, Growers, Contractors, University Extension personnel, Labor Contractors, Laborers 

Educational Level and Focus:

Profile:

Requires an A.A. or B.S. in Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field, with at least one year of relevant experience. Must have a valid Driver Licenses.

Skills and Abilities:      

Interpersonal: Strong communication skills, with ability to convey information clearly across multiple channels. Collaborative mindset, fostering positive and cooperative working relationships. Problem-solving abilities with focus on evaluating options and supporting effective solutions. Excellent time management and organizational skills, balancing priorities and deadlines.

Communication: Communicate information and ideas clearly in both English and Spanish ensuring understanding across diverse audiences. Speak and present information in a clear, professional manner so others can easily understand. Actively listen to and comprehend spoken information, ideas, and feedback, in both English and Spanish. Recognize when issues arise or are likely to occur and respond appropriately by addressing the problem or offering solutions. 

Technical and Analytical:

Knowledge and familiarity with farming operations, specifically vegetable crops, with the ability to

discern and interpret minor differences between varieties to support advancement of products. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) with experience in 

basic data analysis, data collection, and preparation of presentations. Strong organizational skills, 

including accurately maintaining seed packets to prevent contamination and coordinating seed 

shipments to dealers. A valid driver’s license and ability to travel as required for field and grower 

visits.

Administrative and Operations:

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and production methods. Work with budgets and maintain within approved spend levels. Ability to work in stressful environment and meet deadlines. 

Physical Demands:

This position requires the ability to walk, bend, kneel, squat, and perform repetitive neck movements. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and harvest fruit for extended periods of time. The role also requires the ability to drive long distances and to work in outdoor environments with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. Frequent travel (up to 60%) by car or plane is required to visit field locations, growers, and industry events.