Tomato Research & Product Development Assistant

Job Description

As the Tomato Research & Product Development Assistant, you will assist the Heinz Seed Operations and Breeding team in field trial sowing, seedlings growing, planting, plant health, evaluation, data collection, seed production, sampling and seed harvesting. You will work directly with Product Development, Research, and Greenhouse Operations to assist in the trialing and evaluation of new processing tomato varieties in preparation for variety launch.

What's on the Menu:

• Partner closely with the Breeding team in trial plans, trial sowing, transplanting, evaluation, and data collection.

• Collect and record patent data for eligible varieties each year and report to breeding team.

• Work closely with the Breeding team on trial evaluations, data collection, and variety advancement.

• Assist with greenhouse and field crop scouting, plant health sample collection and pathogen identification.

• Assist with field measurements and plot marking.

• Grow transplants.  Including watering and fertilizing tomato seedlings until field transplanting and plant health management.

• Work closely with greenhouse and field operations and labor management to ensure good plant health to meet desired goals.

• Assist in managing seasonal labor for lab sampling and yield measurements.

• Assist with greenhouse plant management, sanitation, and pollination.
   

Recipe for Success:

• Bachelor’s degree in plant science, plant pathology, or horticulture, or equivalent combination of education and field experience. 

• Prior experience in the vegetable seed industry, with a background in processing tomatoes and experience setting up trials, planting, and evaluations, is highly desired.

• Knowledge and experience in plant health and disease diagnosis is highly desired.  

• Ability to deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events. 

• Ability to work as part of a team or independently when needed.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Excellent planning and organizational skills.

• Professional fluency in English with strong written, verbal, and listening skills is a must; multilingual is a plus.

• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). 

• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet MVR requirements.
   

Physical Requirements  

• ​Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally, as needed.  

• ​Ability and willingness to work extended hours outdoors during the entire growing season. 

• ​Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.  

• ​Ability to stand for extended periods of time. ​
   

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a Select the role’s work environment. Additionally, this role requires Indicate the required work schedule.
 

Instructions: Describe the work schedule with specified start and end times of the shift and describe any scheduling nuances that are required (rotating shifts, weekend/holiday, etc.).

 

Physical Requirements 

Instructions: For each bullet point, include the frequency (List A) that actions or physical demands (List B) will be performed. In addition, please indicate the level of physical strength required (List C). NOTE: Mental abilities are not needed in this section, as they are encompassed in the Expected Experience & Skills section.

 

Physical demands include but are not limited to

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ed.)

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$67,500.00 – $84,400.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Family Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial -Savings/Pension, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability, Discounted Perks

Location(s)

Leamington

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.