Lakes Horticulturist

Position Purpose

The Great Lakes Horticulturist is responsible for MBG’s horticultural research and communication objectives by delivering grower support services, educating growers on new and improved crop management practices, and supporting, managing, and executing research and development efforts, in order to help maximize growers’ crop quality, productivity, profitability, and satisfaction.

Direct Supervisor: Director of GL Operations and Safety Assurance
Significant Relationships: Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Sr. Director of Information Systems, Director of Quality Control and Assurance, Berry Blue Team, and MBG Staff.

Grand Junction, MI

• Research and Development
• Design, coordinate, and execute MBG’s research program with producers, cooperative extension staff, university and federal personnel, and industry representatives in establishment and maintenance of horticultural demonstrations and experiments.
• Prepares MBG’s horticulture and research budget.
• Evaluates new fruit varieties for cultivation and marketability
• Test Plot Evaluation and Management
• Evaluates horticultural and consumer characteristics of existing and new blueberry germplasm, including post-harvest quality.
• Coordinates the establishment of new experimental plots in northern growing regions in line with MBG’s research goals.
• Recommends feasibility of commercial varieties and production methods.
• Crop Forecasting and Production Analytics
• Develops and communicates production forecasts of the Great Lakes production region to product management, sales, and other commercial staff members.
• Gains understanding of yields and quality of member fields to understand opportunities for improvement and production trends.
• Analyzes cooperative production and isolates opportunities for additional volume and provides insights into future changes impacting product mix.
• Member Services
• Coordinates pest and crop monitoring services as requested.
• Performs the duties of pest and crop monitoring.
• Oversees soil/plant sample preparation and documentation.
• Develops new services to improve crop production and profitability.
• Communication
• Oversees MBG’s spatial database of member acreage and yield production.
• Develops positive relationships with producer members, researchers, and industry representatives.
• Develops and manages a multi-disciplinary horticultural research and educational outreach program.
• Understands, supports, and communicates cooperative philosophy.
• Provides grower support regarding on-farm strategy to maximize profitability for Midwestern, Northeastern, and Northwestern members.
• Prepare and deliver written and oral research reports as requested.

• 50+ Great Lakes, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia members.
• Over 11,000 acres.

• Bachelor’s degree in horticultural, agronomic, or plant science fields;
  Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• At least five years experience in the management and execution of agricultural research, budgeting, data collection and analysis, and personnel management.
• Experience and knowledge of germplasm development and evaluation, and genetic crop improvement methods.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a commercial pesticide applicator license.
• Working knowledge of spreadsheets, word processing, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with safe operation of farm implements and pest control application methods.
• Ability to travel within all MBG Marketing member areas, which include Michigan, Indiana, Georgia, and Florida business units.

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and lift or carry items up to 40 pounds.
• The employee must be able to safely navigate uneven terrain, agricultural fields, test plots, and outdoor environments for extended periods.
• The position requires manual dexterity, hand–eye coordination, and the ability to collect samples, operate tools/equipment, and perform data recording tasks.
• The employee must be able to see and hear well enough to observe crop conditions, identify plant health issues, and communicate effectively with growers and staff.
• The role requires the ability to drive for prolonged periods to visit member farms, research sites, and regional MBG locations.
• The employee must be able to occasionally lift, move, or transport field equipment, supplies, or samples.

Full-time, Exempt