College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Position Purpose

The Northern Highbush Greenhouse and Field Trial Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and management of Northern Highbush plant growth facilities, in-house seedling block/trial sites 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

Direct Supervisor: Interim Director of Berry Blue

Significant Relationships: Berry Blue Team, Operations and Horticulture Teams, and growers maintaining breeding and trial sites in Michigan, New Jersey, the Pacific Northwest, and British Columbia.

Locations

1. Michigan, New Jersey, the Pacific Northwest, and British Columbia
2. Other locations as assigned.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Plant Growth Facilities and Trial Sites

1. Manage in-house and remote greenhouse facilities to ensure optimal 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 trial sites protocols.

5. Perform greenhouse maintenance.

6. Oversee in-house trial site maintenance, including renovation of existing blocks and planting new selections.

7. Partner with horticulture to 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 the selection process of cultivars for commercial release.

10. Assist with or coordinate technical and marketing activities such as field days, site visits, grower meetings, and demonstration trials.

11. Manage procurement of greenhouse and trial site supplies.

12. Prepare and submit the operating and capital budget.

13. Ensure proper operation of all machinery and systems in the greenhouse, in-house trial sites, and in remote locations as specified.

14. Perform safety inspections and provide safety training and guidance to all Berry Blue staff. 

15. Maintain compliance with all Federal/State employment, worker protection, pesticide, and agricultural regulations.

Research and Development Support/Collaboration

16. Work with the breeding team, to conduct pollen collection and controlled crosses, collect seeds and grow hybrid seedlings.

17. Collaborate on the evaluation of horticultural and marketable characteristics of new blueberry genetics, including postharvest quality.

18. Assist with greenhouse and field experiments.

19. Prepare and present reports and summaries.

20. Perform other tasks as needed.

Qualifications and Skills Required

1. 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.

2. Three to five years of managerial experience.

3. Experience in blueberry farming operations is preferred but not required.

4. The ability to operate and repair tractors, sprayers, and irrigation equipment is preferred. 

5. Knowledge in plant propagation, irrigation systems, plant disease and pest control and nursery container production is highly desirable.

6. Experience in research related activities is preferred.

7. Effective written and oral communications skills. 

8. Computer literacy with Microsoft Office suite is required. Experience with greenhouse management software is desirable.

9. Valid Michigan Driver’s License and Commercial Michigan Pesticide Applicator License within 60 days of hire.

Physical Demand (With or without accommodations)

10. Overtime, weekend and holiday work will be required.

11. Travel to multiple trial locations across the US is required. 

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

Location: Grand Junction, MI

Hours: Full-time, Exempt