Greenhouse and Field Trial Manager

Description: Position Purpose The Greenhouse and Field Trial Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations and management of plant growth facilities, in-house seedling block/test plot and experimental farms, maintaining the program’s germplasm, coordinating advanced and pre-commercial trials in various locations in the US, and assisting with research and development activities.
Organizational Relationships Supervisor: Breeding Program Director Significant Relationships: Berry Blue Field Technician, Research Technician, and Breeder in Alma, GA, Great Lakes and Sunbelt Operations and Horticulture teams, and growers maintaining breeding and trial plots in Michigan, New Jersey, the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Accountabilities and Responsibilities Plant Growth Facilities and Test Plots 1.
Manage greenhouse environmental conditions associated with breeding activities.
2.
Supervise management and growth of plants in the seedling room, greenhouse and other plant growth facilities.
3.
Maintain breeding germplasm.
4.
Develop and implement greenhouse and test plot protocols.
5.
Perform greenhouse maintenance.
6.
Oversee in-house plot maintenance, including renovation of existing blocks and planting new selections.
7.
Identify suitable trial locations, coordinate propagation and planting of selections, and monitor seedling blocks, advanced and pre-commercial trials.
8.
Responsible for field sample and data collection, and trial documentation.
9.
Assist with selection of cultivars for commercial release.
10.
Assist with or coordinate, if needed, technical and marketing activities such as field days, site visits, grower meetings, and demonstration trials.
11.
Manage procurement of greenhouse supplies.
12.
Ensure proper operation of all machinery and systems in the greenhouse and in-house test plots.
13.
Perform safety inspections and provide safety training and guidance to greenhouse staff.
14.
Maintain compliance with all Federal/State employment, worker protection, pesticide, and agricultural regulations.
Research and Development 1.
Conduct pollen collection and controlled crosses, collect seeds and grow hybrid seedlings.
2.
Collaborate with the Breeders/Technical team and Commercialization team and assist with the evaluation of horticultural and marketable characteristics of new blueberry genetics, including postharvest quality.
3.
Assist with greenhouse and field experiments.
4.
Assist with project budget preparation.
5.
Prepare and present reports and summaries.
6.
Perform other tasks as needed.
Requirements: College education and background in agriculture or related sciences.
Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Biology, or a plant science discipline and at least five years of experience in fruit or vegetable farm, nursery and/or greenhouse is preferred.
Experience in blueberry farming operation is preferred but not required.
The ability to operate and repair tractors, sprayers, and irrigation equipment is preferred.
Knowledge in plant propagation, irrigation systems, plant disease and pest control and nursery container production is highly desirable.
Experience in research related activities is preferred.
Effective written and oral communications skills.
Computer literacy with Microsoft Office suite is required.
Experience with greenhouse management software desirable.
Valid Michigan Driver’s License and Commercial Michigan Pesticide Applicator License within 60 days of hire.
Occasional overtime, weekend and holiday work may be required.
Travel to multiple trial locations across the US is required.
Ability to work in all weather conditions and can lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Location: Grand Junction, MI Hours: Full-time, permanent status, exempt status.