Position Overview:
Place, plant, evaluate and keep accurate records of new variety introductions from breeder producer companies. The end objective is to determine the suitability and adaptability of vegetable varieties to regional growing conditions

Position Title: Product Development Specialist
Location: Texas
Schedule: to be determined per planting schedules
Classification: Exempt
Reports to: US PD Manager
Functional Report: Area Sales Manager
Category: Full-time
Supervisory Level: Not a supervisory position.

Contact: 928-329-7770 – cwhitmer@keithlywilliams.com

Educational Skills:

1. High school diploma or equivalent
2. Successful completion of a four-year college degree program (B.S. in agriculture-related major a plus) or five years comparable previous experience
   Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
3. Need English speaking skills to present oral reports in a professional manner
4. Some basic Spanish desired
5. Basic math skills, includes draw and interpret bar graphs, along with other basic math functions
6. Able to evaluate and record data accurately and consistently
7. Valid driver’s license in state of residence with clean driving record
8. Computer literate in word processing, spreadsheet and windows environment
9. Ability to type
   Physical Demands:
   The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
   Work Environment:
   The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Duties and Responsibilities, including, but are not limited to:

A. Assist in planning trial programs for Keithly-Williams Seeds in direct communication with breeder producer companies and sales representatives for assigned territory.
B. Plant trials.
C. Monitor trials.
D. Record trial evaluations of all trials planted and is responsible for dissemination of information gained from trials to appropriate representatives regarding the best interest of Keithly-Williams Seeds.
E. Assist in maintaining inventory of trial seeds and disburse as needed.
F. Contribute to the decision-making process on which vegetable varieties should be continued in the trial program and which varieties discontinued in conjunction with Sales.
G. As directed by the Sales Manager or PD Manager, host and plan special field days with suppliers, or on the initiative of Keithly-Williams to market products and promote new varieties to customers.
H. Assist in preparation of computer generated reports for the Product Development Manager as needed.
I. Provide assistance with deliveries, purchasing supplies and business errands when necessary and schedule permits.
J. Maintain computer skills as to specific functional needs of location, i.e. orders with the office, trial maps, keys and evaluations.
K. Become proficient in the use of PD program and updates/upgrades as they become available.
L. Complete reports timely as requested by the PD Manager
M. Support the efforts of Product Development and Sales by maintaining a record of prioritized daily tasks.
N. Compile and report on market analysis of regional area to accurately reflect current vegetable/agricultural activities.
O Assist Warehouse with timely and accurate processing and delivery of orders to customers or intra-company.
P. Assist with annual inventory.
Q. Assist with germ updates and labeling of inventory. Notify QA of below standard germ lots.
R. Assist with Receiving inventory accurately and with proper documentation.
S. Operate forklift, labeling, machinery, scales, sewing machine and all other equipment used in repacking, preparing orders, etc.
T. Other duties as assigned
General
U. Keep sensitive information confidential.
V. Maintain regular attendance.
W. Punctual and proactive in getting necessary work done.
X. Assist other staff members, reflecting a team effort.
Y. Read, understand and comply with all provisions of the Employee Handbook.
Z. Keep expenses within budgeted levels and in accordance with company policy.
AA. Participate in Training Seminars and meetings that are available
BB. Operate company vehicles in safe and responsible manner
CC. Maintain positive public image for Keithly-Williams Seeds.
DD. Communication devices are used constructively and for the benefit of the company
EE. Working hours are used constructively for the benefit of the company.
FF. Shows initiative to increase knowledge of industry and company operation.
GG. Open communication between employee and manager in job related issues
HH. Understand company organization structure and follow proper chain of command.