Greenhouse and Field Technician

Position Purpose

The Greenhouse and Field Technician will provide crucial support to Berry Blue’s breeding program by assisting in operations and research activities. This involves tasks such as cultivating and maintaining plants, collecting data and assisting with research projects. Additionally, the Technician will be involved in troubleshooting technical issues, implementing best practices, and collaborating with team members to ensure that the greenhouse and field operations run smoothly, plants are properly cared for, and research objectives are met.

Organizational Relationships

Supervisor: Greenhouse and Field Trial Manager

Significant Relationships: Berry Blue Breeding Technical Director, Berry Blue Team in Grand Junction, Michigan and Alma, Georgia

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

1. Responsible for the day-to-day care of plants, including watering, fertilizing, and monitoring of pests and diseases. Ensure that plants receive appropriate environmental conditions to promote healthy growth.

2. Assist in greenhouse and field operations including seed germination, plant propagation, tagging of plants, planting, setting up of seedling blocks, field mapping, plant tissue sampling, and maintenance of climate control and irrigation systems.

3. Perform controlled pollination activities including collection, organization, and inventory management of pollen repository, manage fruit harvest, seed extraction and inventory of seeds.

4. Collaborate with the breeding technical team, assisting in the implementation of research projects in both greenhouse and field environments, collection of plant tissue sample, phenotypic data collection, and data analysis.

5. Assist with the evaluation of seedlings and advanced selections in test plots in and out of state.

6. Manage germplasm inventory.

7. Operate and maintain tools and equipment used in greenhouse and field operations such as tractors and sprayers. Perform routine maintenance and repairs as needed to ensure equipment reliability.

8. Manage and stay up to date on new agronomic and horticulture management practices such as irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide application, propagation, pruning, and pest and disease management.

9. Maintain compliance with all Federal/State/Company employment, worker protection, and pesticide and agricultural regulations. Schedule, record and apply all pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation treatments. Assist with safety inspections.

10. Maintain inventory of greenhouse/field supplies and assist with supply management and procurement.

11. Assist in budget preparation.

12. Prepare and present written and oral reports.

13. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills Required

· Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Horticulture or related sciences and at least three years of experience in fruit or vegetable farm, nursery and/or greenhouse is preferred.

· Experience in greenhouse and blueberry farming operation and knowledge in plant propagation, irrigation systems, plant disease and pest control and nursery container production is highly desirable.

· Experience in research related activities is preferred.

· Ability to operate farm equipment such as tractors and sprayers is preferred.

· Knowledge of relevant computer software such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel is required.

· Effective written and oral communications skills.

· Should demonstrate skills in organization as well as flexibility with job requirements and location.

· Valid driver’s license and possession of or ability to obtain commercial pesticide applicator’s license for fruit, nursery, and greenhouse operations.

· Ability to work in all weather conditions and can lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

· Occasional overtime, weekend and holiday work may be required.

· Travel to trial locations in and out of state is required.

Location: Grand Junction, MI

Hours: Full-time, exempt status.