Job Description:
The nursery production manager will evaluate, plan, organize, and manage all seed production, budwood development, field tree production, seedling production, liner production, and greenhouse-grown tree production at the Maricopa nursery site and facility in southern Kern County.
Nursery production workers and lead report to the nursery production manager; Production manager reports directly to the farm area advisor.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Coordinate with management a written plan for seed, budwood, container trees, and citrus liners
- Develop and implement nursery production models and oversights for plant health and sanitation
- Update and modify nursery production plan monthly and review with the farm area advisor
- Monitor the implementation of the nursery production plan
- Ensure labor, equipment, and facility resources are adequate for production demands
- Manage irrigation
- Assist with pest control and nutrition strategies
- Devise new strategies to improve plant performance
- Administer a comprehensive sanitation program that includes pathogen and pest exclusion methods, as well as chemical decontamination and cleaning when required
- Monitor tree quality
- Implement and report performance results to farm area advisors
- Coordinate with management-hired consultants and report research results and findings
- Manage purchasing strategies for material and supplies within expectations and protocols
- Ensure pest, nutrition and weed control strategies are implemented and managed properly
- Ensure all spray personnel are properly certified and records are maintained, accordingly
- Ensure all safety and employment policies are upheld and enforced
- Coordinate with farm management on frost protection strategies and implementation
- Develop and report proposed annual budget to farm area advisor for review and approval
- Maintain proper housekeeping of all nursery facilities and property
- Manage maintenance of nursery facilities and site, equipment
- Coordinate with management and oversee construction of new nursery facilities
- Provide nursery production reports
- Perform all other duties, tasks, and projects as directed by the Company
Skills:
- Knowledge in citrus pests/diseases, irrigation management for container plants, plant horticulture, nutrition, and plant environment
- Skilled in greenhouse construction and ag chemical procurement, storage, and application
- Computer literate in MS Office and ag-specific software programs, such as Agrian
- Ability to effectively lead positively, motivate, and communicate to employees
- Effective and proficient data/spreadsheet analysis, reporting, and communication skills
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities and tasks
- Ability to work in and around greenhouse and farming environments, extensive hours, weekends, and be very flexible to compliment operations for continued success
Qualifications:
- 3+ years’ experience with planning and management of greenhouse nursery production
- Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural field of study or equivalent
- Possession of a CDL and an acceptable driving record insurable by the Company’s insurance policy
