Horticulture Technician

Position Purpose

The Horticulture Technician is responsible for supporting research efforts, crop estimates, crop scouting, and data analysis. Excellent communication and relationship building with grower-members is intrinsic to this role.

Organizational Relationships

Direct Supervisor: Great Lakes Horticulturist

Significant Relationships: Great Lakes Operations Team, Food Safety Team, Berry Blue Breeding Team, and Great Lakes Operations Team

Requirements

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Member Services
• Conducts pest and crop monitoring in Great Lakes production area.
• Assists with crop estimates.
• Evaluates crop production and pest monitoring service needs of Great Lakes members.
• Determine the applicability of new technologies to solve member production problems.
• Communication
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with producer-owners, horticultural service providers, and industry representatives.
• Disseminates and researches sustainable farming practices and serves as an educational resource in sustainability.
• Aids in the documentation/revision of member production information in the Midwest, including up to date GPS mapping of all field/farms.
• Assists in the development and management of a multidisciplinary horticultural research and educational outreach program.
• Research and Development
• Conduct members needs assessments and recommend researchable topics.
• Assists in applied research in areas such as pest management, nutrition, plant physiology, and variety evaluation.
• Organizational
• Monitors crop conditions and provide reports of crop volume, timing, and quality.
• Assists Horticulturist in development of production reports, pesticide regulatory issues, and research project coordination and analysis.
• Quantitative Data/Job Dimensions
• Ensure grower maps and grower data are up to date annually.

• Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural discipline required.
• Documented experience in blueberry production systems, research, and production.
• Proven ability to interact with crop producers, industry representatives, and co-workers.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clear driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel within all affiliated production areas.
• Competency using a computer to prepare reports and presentations (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Agrian, Power BI) with a willingness to learn additional skills.
• Excellent observational and recordkeeping skills
• Outstanding verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Ability to function as a team player and to work in a professional and confidential manner.

• Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift and carry 25-50lbs.
• Must be available on weekends and prepared for a 40+ hours of work (as the business need requires).

Hours: Full-time, Exempt