Fall Creek Farm & Nursery® is the world’s leading blueberry nursery stock company. We bring the best blueberry varieties to our global customers who service the commercial and nursery markets. Our products are second to none, in part, because we have high standards, superb growing conditions and most importantly, good people.

We are currently recruiting for a position located at our nursery in Tala, Jalisco, Mexico.
Research & Development (R&D) Technician

POSITION SUMMARY:

As part of Fall Creek’s global blueberry breeding team, this position is responsible for assisting with the breeding and variety development program at the nursery in Tala.

ORGANIZATIONAL FIT:

This position reports to the Blueberry Breeder based in Fall Creek’s office in Oregon and collaborates work and labor needs with the Tala Nursery Manager. The R&D Technician supervises the team leader and other personnel in the department. This position works closely managers and departments in the MX and US operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Responsible for propagating and maintaining accurate inventory of blueberry selections in the breeding program.
2. Makes controlled crosses and grows seedlings as directed by the Blueberry Breeder.
3. Establishes and cares for field plots, both on and off-site.
4. Evaluates breeding program seedlings and selections for agronomic performance and fruit quality characteristics.
5. Conducts yield and post-harvest trials for breeding program selections.
6. Assists in organizing and hosting field days and visits for growers and colleagues.
7. Prepares periodic progress reports summarizing performance of breeding program selections. Collects and enters data and tracks information.
8. Responsible for shipping of plants to trial sites, both international and domestic.
9. Collects and summarizes patent data for advanced selections in the breeding program.
10. Collects plant samples for DNA and virus testing.
11. Accurately reports and records work activities.
12. Scouts the plants for pests and disease on a regular basis. Notifies the Blueberry Breeder and Tala Nursery Manager of any pest, disease or other issues affecting the plants in a timely manner.
13. Monitors supplies and resources and notifies management of potential issues in a timely manner.
14. Assists with keeping work areas and the overall appearance of the breeding program clean and organized.
15. Immediately reports accidents, injuries and near-misses to management.
16. Uses personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed when completing tasks.
17. Assures the highest level of confidentiality on sensitive matters concerning the nursery.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAINING

1. Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany or related field.
2. Previous experience in a technical or research position.
3. Bilingual language skills in Spanish & English. The ability to speak, read, and write in English.
4. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software: Excel, Word, and Access.
5. Requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain a valid license plus an acceptable (insurable) driving record.
6. Ability to travel internationally for company business or attend events off-site.
7. Strong analytical and math skills.
8. Ability to work with and manage a high level of detailed information.
9. Ability to prioritize work within established guidelines and follow through on a variety of requests.
10. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, vendors, customers and peers.
11. Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds.
12. Ability to communicate with respect and work as part of a multicultural team.
13. Must be able to adapt to frequent change.
14. Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
15. Requires regular and reliable attendance at the place of business.
16. Must demonstrate professional and ethical business practices, adherence to company values, and a commitment to personal and professional development.

TO APPLY

For immediate, confidential consideration, please send cover letter and resume to: fallcreekhr@fallcreeknursery.com

Please visit us at www.fallcreeknursery.com for more information.