Farm Manager– Blueberry Research Position Available In Alachua, Florida

Farm Manager– Blueberry Research Confidential Gainesville, FL 32601

POSTING DATE:

April 2025 The Blueberry Research Farm Manager will farm our R D Blueberry breeding site in Florida and be responsible for taking lead on implementing hydroponic grow systems, as well as the growing of blueberry plants in a hydroponic system. The Farm Manager will be working with breeders, nursery and applied research personnel with the ultimate responsibility for stock maintenance and a high standard and quality propagation of blueberry materials.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Design and implementation of hydroponic system.
• Oversee agronomy of blueberries in a substrate system, including but not limited to: ground clearing and preparation for planting, executing propagation, planting, weeding, pruning, fruit harvesting, trellis management, netting for bird control and frost protection.
• Possibility to increase farming scope to strawberries in the future.
• Oversee and manage supply orders, planting, irrigation and grow schedules.
• Oversee and manage pest and disease scouting, manage spray controls with integrated pest management and direct weed control.
• Design and monitoring of nutrition for different physiological stages of the crops as well as quick correction of nutritional deficiencies.
• Responsible for all maintenance and services on hydroponic system and farm field equipment as well as supplies and facilities.
• Work with breeders, applied research and nursery crews with a regular, timely and disciplined team approach.
• Responsible for operating within farm budget targets.
• Responsible for forecasting labor needs, hiring, training and evaluating personnel along with the management of crew schedules with the corresponding administrative paperwork.
• Monitor, evaluate and improve farming techniques.
• Upkeep of a clean and organized field and facility.
• Data collection and data entry using as required by breeder.
• Safeguarding of company’s confidential and proprietary information and materials.

Requirements:

Understanding of horticultural crops and agronomy with a passion for their implementation.

• Practical experience of farming practices including irrigation management, equipment operation, personnel management and pest control.
• Blueberry farming experience is necessary. Strawberry farming experience is desirable.
• Project management experience with excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Pesticide Applicator’s license.
• Experience managing tractors and farming equipment.
• Ability to work shifts that may differ from standard business hours.
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent time management and ability to perform multiple ongoing tasks.
• Ability to solve problems with a sense of urgency and minimal supervision.
• Must be responsible, punctual, dependable, and a self-starter.
• Ability to work mostly independently but consult with management if needed.
• Suitability for physically demanding work in hot Florida field conditions, able and willing to perform hard, repetitive physical work as necessary (Capability to lift 50 lbs. on a frequent basis).
• Florida driver’s license and ability to be insured by our company’s policy.
• Bilingual communication skills necessary (English and Spanish).
• Microsoft Office computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Open and friendly attitude at the highest level.

Please send a resume that includes a reference name and phone number.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$70,000.00 – $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Health insurance Paid time off

Schedule:

Day shift Overtime Weekends as needed

Work Location:

In person