In order to support the tomato breeding program and strengthen our breeding team, **KWS Vegetables**_ _is looking for a **Breeding Technician - Tomato (M/F/d)**.
The position will be **unlimited**and **full-time**.
**Job Purpose**
The Breeding Technician will play a critical role in executing and managing the operational breeding processes for the tomato crop, ensuring the long-term success and profitability of the breeding program.
This position involves working closely with supervisors and other team members to optimize breeding trials, manage personnel, and maintain high-quality standards across all activities.
Are you passionate about supporting innovative breeding programs and contributing to the development of commercially successful tomato varieties?
If you thrive in a team environment and enjoy hands-on work in the field and greenhouses, then this is the role for you!
**What you can expect in this role**:
**Development**:
- Execute, manage, monitor, and provide advice on operational breeding processes for tomato crops.
- Ensure efficient and effective execution of breeding activities within budget and resource constraints.
- Breeding Trials:
- Organize and execute the sowing, planting, and harvesting of breeding trials, including crossing blocks, family plantings, and hybrid screenings.
- Work closely with the farm team to manage crop health and maximize breeding output through proper disease control, timely fruit harvest, and other crop management activities.
- Responsible for label printing for seeds, seedlings, and plants.
- Collect phenotypic information following directions of their supervisors.
Upload and download this information into data systems.
Phenotypic information could include evaluations of Hybrids/lines.
**Basic Stock Seeds**:
- Oversee the production, storage, and elimination of seeds as directed by supervisors.
- Ensure compliance with quality control protocols and hygiene standards.
- Tissue Sampling and Data Collection:
- Collect tissue samples for DNA extractions and disease testing.
- Gather phenotypic data following supervisor instructions and manage its upload/download into data systems.
**Personnel Management**:
- Plan, organize, and distribute, in close collaboration with farm, daily work for temporary staff and ensure adherence to agreed standards, timelines, and budgets.
- Provide technical advice and on-the-job training to temporary staff.
**Communication and Collaboration**:
- Maintain close communication with farm technicians, temporary workers, pathology teams, screening specialists, and other breeding technicians.
- Ensure alignment of phenotypic data collection across breeding program locations.
- Frequent contact with other breeding and farm teams
- Growers of external trial sites (Advisors/Contractors)
**What you bring in**:
- Education & Experience:
- Secondary vocational education in agriculture, horticulture, or biology.
- Minimum of two years of experience in a similar role.
- Knowledge & Skills:
- Working knowledge of horticulture, agronomy, and pathology, specifically related to tomatoes.
- Strong organization and planning skills.
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with management information systems.
- Core Competencies:
- Drive Results.
- Collaborates effectively with diverse teams.
- Focus on self-development and continuous learning.
- Customer-focused mindset.
- Strong planning and alignment capabilities.
**What we offer**:
- A dynamic and supportive work environment.
- Opportunities to contribute to innovative tomato breeding projects.
- Collaboration with an experienced and passionate team.
- Professional development opportunities.