Foundation Production Technician

Foundation Production Technician supports foundation seed production operations including fieldwork, seed conditioning, packaging, and equipment maintenance. Responsibilities include assisting with planting, scouting, and harvest support; operating planters, harvest equipment, detasseling equipment, dryers, shellers, forklifts, and other production machinery; handling bulk seed, inventory management, and shipment preparation; performing seed conditioning, treating, packaging, and labeling to quality standards; maintaining production records and compliance documentation; performing routine housekeeping and preventive maintenance; assisting with warehousing activities and shipment verification; promoting a safe work environment; leading and directing temporary or seasonal staff during peak production; and utilizing productivity tracking tools as directed by site leadership. Requirements include strong verbal and written communication, ability to work independently and in a team, strong organizational skills, task prioritization, basic problem-solving, proficiency with Microsoft Office, ability to operate agricultural and warehouse equipment safely after training, commitment to safety and continuous improvement, and a valid driver’s license with MVR requirements. Education and experience preferences include technical, vocational, or agricultural training and prior seed production, agriculture, grain handling, or warehousing experience; supervisory responsibilities include directing temporary/seasonal workers during production. Physical requirements include lifting up to 65 pounds, standing/walking/bending/climbing in varying conditions, walking seed fields up to 5 miles/day, and ability to work overtime, weekends, and seasonal extended hours. Approximate pay range in Illinois is $19.23 to $24.04 per hour, with performance-based incentives; final compensation commensurate with experience, skills, and education.