Field Supervisor

The Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is seeking qualified candidates for the position of field supervisor. The field supervisor will conduct field inspections for certified and non-certified acres of crops, inspect seed conditioning facilities, and manage an inspection crew in an assigned territory. In addition, the selected candidate will perform audits of various MCIA audit-based services.

This is a home office–based position to be located in southeast Minnesota. Position requirements are described below. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and full benefits package.

Applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume by March 15, 2022 to: Fawad Shah, Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, 1900 Hendon Ave, Saint Paul MN 55108 or email to employment@mncia.org.

Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is an equal opportunity employer.

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Title: Field Supervisor
Department: Field Services
Reports to: Field Services Manager
Direct Reports: Seasonal inspectors

Job Summary
Perform and supervisor field inspection services in the assigned territory.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and conduct field inspections for producers and handlers of crops in assigned territory.*
• Possess and exercise advance knowledge of the seed certification rules formalized by the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA), and MCIA.*
• Exercise consistent discretion and judgment in field inspection, approve or reject fields according to field certification standards, issue inspection reports.*
• Perform audits and other third-party on-site evaluations to verify conformance to quality management and/or regulatory compliance requirements.*
• Inspect assigned MCIA approved facilities and report inspection results.*
• Hire, train, and supervise seasonal personnel as needed to complete inspections in assigned territory.*
• Through regular interactions, solidify MCIA relationship with its customers.
• Identify new service opportunities; market MCIA services to potential MCIA customers.*
• Advise clients of MCIA program requirements and proper production techniques; conduct training for new clients.
• Monitor MCIA tag and certificate use, process necessary paperwork, and maintain current records to support certification and quality assurance programs.
• Represent and promote MCIA at designated industry meetings, trade shows, and other functions.
• Serve as the MCIA liaison to specified MCIA committees.
• Coordinate with MCIA office and other field supervisors to effectively serve customers.

• Provide input and information for the Minnesota Seed Grower publication and other MCIA publications as required.*
• Perform other duties as required.

• Essential functions

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in agronomy or closely related area.
• Basic understanding of quality management systems.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in agronomy or closely related area.
• Three years or more experience in the seed industry.
• Three years or more experience in field inspection.

Skills/Physical Demands

• Strong interpersonal, written, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills, working knowledge of MS Office.
• Ability to handle confidential information with great sensitivity, good reasoning abilities, and sound judgement.
• Ability to work with limited supervision, highly self-motivated.
• Ability to move through narrow row spacing of a variety of crops and uneven terrain to perform field inspection work.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work with limited supervision, highly self-motivated.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel, including some overnight travel, must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work in loud and dusty conditions.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 60 lb.
• Promote and ensure excellence in customer service.
• Ability to work well in a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
• Accurate, efficient and detail oriented.