Farm Manager-- Blueberry Research

POSITION TITLE: Blueberry Research Farm Manager

JOB POSTING DATE: May 2025

LOCATION: Gainesville, Florida -or- Plant City, Florida

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time, $70,000-$110,000 (wage commensurate with education and experience).

JOB DESCRIPTION: 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. 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. Depending on candidate qualifications, Farm Manager will be responsible for overseeing management of our strawberry research farm. This would lead to possibly merging both R&D locations into a single farm operation in or around Plant City.

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/manage supply orders, planting, irrigation and grow schedules.

Oversee and manage pest and disease scouting and spray controls within an integrated pest management as well as directing 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 the companies confidential and proprietary information and materials.

Requirements:

Understanding of horticultural crops and agronomy with a passion for its 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).

Computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).

Open and friendly attitude at the highest level.