Horticulture Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Position Purpose

The Horticulture Technician is responsible for supporting the horticulturist in blueberry and blackberry research efforts, crop estimates, crop scouting, and data analysis. Excellent communication and relationship building with grower-members is intrinsic to this role. The position will also support the Berry Blue breeding program as needed through the direction of the horticulturist.

Organizational Relationships

Direct Supervisor: Sunbelt Horticulturist

Significant Relationships: Director of Sunbelt Business Unit, SE & NJ Regional Manager of Food Safety, Berry Blue Breeding Team, Horticulture Team, Sunbelt Operations Team, Growers, and Vendors

Locations

1. Alma, GA

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

1. Member Services

• Conducts pest and crop monitoring in Southeast production area
• Assists with crop estimates
• Evaluates crop production and pest monitoring service needs of Southeast members
• Determine the applicability of new technologies to solve member production problems

2. Communication

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with producer-members, horticultural service providers, and industry representatives
• Aids in the documentation/revision of member production information in the Southeast, including up to date GPS mapping of all field/farms
• Provides weekly activity reports

3. Research and Development

• Conducts member needs assessments and recommends researchable topics
• Assists in applied research in areas such as pest management, nutrition, plant physiology, and variety evaluation
• Assists in the development and management of a multidisciplinary horticultural research and educational outreach program

4. Organizational

• Monitors crop conditions and provides 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

1. Ensures grower maps and grower data is up to date annually

2. Provides indirect support to Horticulturalist for management for research budget

Qualifications and Skills Required

1. Bachelors’ degree in an agricultural discipline required.

2. Documented experience in blueberry production systems, research and production.

3. Ability to obtain and maintain a commercial pesticide applicator license

4. Ability to interact with crop producers, industry representatives, and co-workers.

5. Must possess valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

6. Ability and willingness to travel within all affiliated production areas.

7. Competency using a computer to prepare reports and presentations (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with a willingness to learn additional skills such as GIS programming

8. Excellent observational and recordkeeping skills

9. Outstanding verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills are essential

10. Requires overnight travel

11. Ability to function as a team player and to work in a professional and confidential manner

Physical Demand (With or without accommodations)

1. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while performing tasks such as planting, pruning, and monitoring plant growth.

2. Ability to lift and carry heavy materials, such as soil, fertilizer, and plants, typically up to [weight limit, e.g., 50 lbs.].

3. Frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling required for planting, weeding, and maintaining garden beds.

4. Requires fine motor skills for tasks like planting, trimming, and using small tools or equipment.

5. Must be able to work in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and sun exposure.

6. Ability to push and pull carts, wheelbarrows, and other equipment as needed for the job.

7. Regular repetitive motions, such as digging, trimming, or using machinery, throughout the day.

Location: Alma, Georgia

Hours: Full-time, Exempt