Field Technician-Open Field Grower

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Assist in the production of high quality field grown vegetables to the standards and expectations established by the breeding and research teams by conducting activities which promote uniform and consistent plant growth in the open field growing environment.

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY: Under the supervision and guidance of the Immokalee interim Field Grower and regional HMC farm management resources, the Field Technician’s responsibility will cover all or some of the following:

- Crop management including irrigation and pesticide application.

- Coordination and supervision of contract labor or HMC employees assigned to farm operations activities.

- Operation of machinery including tractors and forklifts.

- Routine maintenance and repair of farm equipment and station infrastructure.

- Configuration and routine utilization of farming software and field fertigation equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following and may be assigned as needed.

Farming operations

• Assist in vegetable crop production for research and breeding teams
• Use farm equipment including tractors, forklifts and harvesters while respecting safe operation procedures.
• Conduct routine inspections to detect any early signs of disease and pest issues and to immediately inform supervisor of any findings.
• Apply agrochemicals and fertilizers used in the routine production of vegetable crops.
• Conduct fruit harvest and seed extraction and processing as needed.
• Oversee, manage and maintain fertilizer and irrigation controllers and processes.
• Coordinate labor in open field activities to ensure efficient field operations.
• Maintain the site farm software database – including documentation of field inspections and generation of work orders for spray applications (made by others) that comply with all local and regional regulatory guidelines.
• Execute any farm or greenhouse operational support activities as directed by the station manager.

Maintenance and repair

• Responsible for the routine preventative maintenance and servicing of farm equipment and logging in such activities in the appropriate maintenance & servicing book.
• Responsible for the repair of other station equipment and any infrastructural needs as requested or required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned contract and HMC employees engaged in routine field crop management activities

Required Knowledge & Skills

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of farm operations/farm equipment and crop management
• Knowledge of safe farm working practices including pesticide application
• Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word and Outlook
• Interpersonal Skills – Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen effectively, respond appropriately, and maintain a mutual comfort level, while relating to a diverse workforce.
• Teamwork – Team player with a positive attitude. Ability to facilitate teamwork among colleagues, as well as with the contracted labor force.
• Coachability – able to take direction and learn from others. Not impeded by ego or issues of control.
• Judgment – Exhibit sound and accurate judgment. Accountable for decisions made within the scope of responsibility, with the focus on meeting established short term and long term goals and objectives. Ability to perform essential duties without direct supervision.
• Adaptability – Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Ability to adapt plans quickly and effectively, to meet the demands of a complex growing schedule. Ability to work in greenhouses and outdoors, often in adverse weather conditions.
• Dependability – Regular and consistent attendance and punctuality. Must take responsibility for completing tasks in a timely manner.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• 2 or 4 year degree in Agronomy or related field
• Pesticide applicators license or ability to secure
• Valid Drivers’ license and clean MVR

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee will be driving cars, trucks, tractors, forklifts, or other equipment. This position will be exposed to outdoor weather and greenhouse conditions. The employee may need to walk on uneven ground, work near equipment or machinery, and may be exposed to vibration or constant movement. The noise level that is typical of this work environment is loud.

Job Type: Full-time