Blueberry Research Farm Manager

ZipRecruiter; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a dedicated Farm Manager to oversee its R&D Blueberry breeding site in Florida. This role involves implementing advanced hydroponic systems and managing all aspects of blueberry cultivation, from planting to harvesting. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in horticulture and agronomy, with hands-on experience in farming practices. You'll work closely with a dynamic team to ensure high-quality propagation and stock maintenance while potentially expanding into strawberry farming. If you're passionate about agriculture and thrive in a collaborative environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in farming practices and irrigation management.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement hydroponic systems for blueberry cultivation.
• Manage supply orders, irrigation, and grow schedules effectively.
• Collaborate with research teams for optimal crop management.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Agronomy expertise

Project management

Pesticide Applicator’s license

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Time management

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Tools

Hydroponic systems

Farming equipment

Computer software (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)

Job description

The Blueberry Research Farm Manager will farm our R&D Blueberry breeding site in Florida and be responsible for implementing hydroponic grow systems and cultivating blueberry plants in a hydroponic system. The Farm Manager will collaborate with breeders, nursery, and applied research personnel, with ultimate responsibility for stock maintenance and high-quality propagation of blueberry materials. Depending on candidate qualifications, the Farm Manager may also oversee management of our strawberry research farm, potentially merging both R&D locations into a single farm operation in or around Plant City.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Design and implement hydroponic systems.
2. Oversee blueberry agronomy in substrate systems, including ground clearing, preparation for planting, propagation, planting, weeding, pruning, fruit harvesting, trellis management, netting for bird control, and frost protection.
3. Potentially expand farming scope to strawberries in the future.
4. Manage supply orders, planting, irrigation, and grow schedules.
5. Oversee pest and disease scouting, spray controls within an integrated pest management system, and weed control.
6. Design and monitor crop nutrition for different physiological stages, and address nutritional deficiencies promptly.
7. Maintain hydroponic systems, farm equipment, supplies, and facilities.
8. Work collaboratively with breeders, applied research, and nursery teams with a disciplined, team-oriented approach.
9. Operate within farm budget targets.
10. Forecast labor needs, hire, train, evaluate personnel, and manage crew schedules and administrative tasks.
11. Monitor, evaluate, and improve farming techniques.
12. Maintain a clean and organized field and facility.
13. Collect and enter data as required by breeders.
14. Safeguard confidential and proprietary company information and materials.

Requirements:

1. Understanding of horticultural crops and agronomy, with a passion for implementation.
2. Practical experience in farming practices, including irrigation management, equipment operation, personnel management, and pest control.
3. Blueberry farming experience is essential; strawberry farming experience is desirable.
4. Project management skills with strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
5. Pesticide Applicator’s license.
6. Experience managing tractors and farming equipment.
7. Flexibility to work shifts outside standard hours.
8. Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
9. Excellent time management and multitasking abilities.
10. Problem-solving skills with a sense of urgency and minimal supervision.
11. Responsibility, punctuality, dependability, and self-motivation.
12. Ability to work independently and consult with management when needed.
13. Physical ability to perform demanding work in hot Florida conditions, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
14. Valid Florida driver’s license and company insurance eligibility.
15. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
16. Computer proficiency (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
17. Open, friendly attitude and professional demeanor.

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Company Description:

We are a global leader in producing superior berry varieties, setting industry standards for quality. Additional information will be provided during the interview.