JOB FILLED - Horticulture Systems Development Manager - Joe Produce | Produce Jobs, Produce Careers, Agriculture Jobs, Agriculture Careers

JOB FILLED - Horticulture Systems Development Manager

Job Description: 

Are you a Horticulture Specialist?  Do you like having daily contact with growers, and aren’t afraid to get your hands a little dirty?

Do you love Blueberries? 

If you answered yes to these questions, MBG Marketing may have a great opportunity for you as a Horticulture Systems Development Manager.

The successful candidate will be responsible for horticultural systems development oversight for MBG Marketing members.  You will coordinate with the horticultural team to lead the design and implementation of production programs to optimize crop yield and quality.  Provide leadership for field mapping, interpretation and analysis of field-level data, and identification of opportunities to increase farm profitability.

Organizational Relationships

Significant Relationships: Day-to-day working contact with the Sunbelt Horticulturist, Great Lakes Horticulturist, and Senior Director of IT. Other significant relationships with seasonal crop scouting staff and the GL & PNW Regional Manager of Food Safety.

Position Reports to: 
VP Agri-Research and Horticulture Services.
Compensation/Salary: 
DOE
Requirements: 
  • A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in plant science, horticulture, or other related agricultural disciplines or physical science majors. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Experience in production programs for perennial fruit crops.
  • Demonstrated experience in applied research, production, pest management, and plant nutrition.
  • Knowledge of blueberry production practices and agricultural software for data collection and analysis.
  • Experience in presenting information to small and large groups of growers.
  • Must possess valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
  • Ability and willingness to travel within all affiliated member production areas.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
  • Outstanding prioritization, self-motivation, and time management skills are essential.
  • A proven ability to work with a variety of people and handle stressful situations calmly is essential.
  • Ability and willingness to expand the scope of responsibilities to best serve the horticultural interests of our members.
Responsibilities & Duties: 
  • Primary lead for field identification, field mapping and ongoing maintenance of field attribute records for membership production areas.
  • Analyze grower field data to identify grower opportunities for maximizing yield, quality, and farm profitability.
  • Design and recommend best production practices for establishment of Berry Blue varieties in each growing region.
  • Coordinate with the horticultural team and growers on the design and implementation of pest management, nutrition, water management, pollination, pruning, and re-plant programs.
  • Identify training needs and develop educational programs for grower pesticide use reporting, crop estimating, and field data management.
  • Serve as the liaison between the horticultural and information systems departments for field management system design, development, testing, implementation and application support.
  • Lead deployment of field scouting applications, coordinate team member training, review data for accuracy, and design/analyze reports based on information collected.
  • Compile analytical data, prepare reports, and discuss results and their interpretation with internal team members and growers.
  • Assist in the development of production protocols and member training to enhance the company’s export and value-added market opportunities.

Quantitative Data/Job Dimensions 

  • Assist in the preparation of the department budget.
  • Responsible for horticultural capital purchases and training programs as it relates to the position of approximately $20,000.
  • Documentation and analysis of blueberry producer-member farm acreage composition in eight states and British Columbia.