Farm and Greenhouse Operator

Position Purpose

The Farm and Greenhouse Operator will provide crucial support to Berry Blue’s breeding program by assisting in operations. This involves tasks such as cultivating and maintaining plants, troubleshooting technical issues, implementing best practices, and collaborating with team members to ensure that the greenhouse and field operations run smoothly, plants are properly cared for, and objectives are met.

Organizational Relationships

Supervisor: Greenhouse and Field Trial Manager

Significant Relationships: Berry Blue Breeding Technical Director, Berry Blue Team in Grand Junction, Michigan, and Alma, Georgia

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

1. Responsible for the day-to-day care of plants, including watering, fertilizing, and monitoring of pests and diseases. Apply pesticides and maintain applicator records. Ensure that plants receive appropriate environmental conditions to promote healthy growth.

2. Assist in greenhouse and field operations including controlled pollination, seed germination, fruit collection, plant propagation, tagging of plants, planting, setting up of seedling blocks and test plots/experimental farms, field mapping, and irrigation systems.

3. Operate and maintain tools and equipment used in greenhouse and field operations such as tractors and sprayers. Perform routine maintenance and repairs as needed to ensure equipment reliability.

4. Maintain compliance with all Federal/State/Company employment, worker protection, and pesticide and agricultural regulations. Schedule, record and apply all pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation treatments. Assist with safety inspections.

5. Maintain inventory of greenhouse/field supplies.

6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills Required

· Experience in greenhouse and/or specialty crop farming operation, irrigation systems, plant disease and pest control are highly desirable.

· Ability to operate farm equipment such as tractors and sprayers is preferred.

· Effective written and oral communications skills.

· Able to work independently and in a team.

· Should demonstrate skills in organization as well as flexibility with job requirements.

· Valid driver’s license and possession of or ability to obtain commercial pesticide applicator’s license.

· Ability to work in all weather conditions and can lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

· Occasional overtime, weekend and holiday work may be required.

Location: Grand Junction, MI

Hours: Full-time, exempt status.