Soil And Plant Scientists

Job description

The Agronomist will provide specialized technical agronomic management during the temporary contract period for the establishment and first commercial production cycle of a commercial container-grown blueberry operation. The role focuses specifically on blueberry plant establishment, crop health, irrigation and fertigation, substrate and root-zone conditions, water quality, nutrient management, and evaluation and improvement of production methods under the farm's growing conditions.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Monitor blueberry plant establishment, root-zone development, vegetative growth, flowering, fruit development, plant stress, harvest readiness, and post-harvest recovery. Evaluate blueberry substrate and root-zone conditions, drainage, irrigation water, nutrient status, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH as they affect plant health, growth, and productivity. Develop, monitor, and adjust blueberry-specific drip irrigation and fertigation programs according to crop stage, substrate moisture, drainage, water quality, environmental conditions, and plant response. Identify and diagnose nutrient disorders, irrigation-related stress, pests, diseases, and other crop-health problems affecting blueberries, and recommend corrective agronomic and production practices. Conduct field observations, sampling, comparative trials, and production evaluations to determine how irrigation, fertigation, substrate management, pruning, plant protection, and other agronomic practices affect blueberry establishment, health, and productivity. Develop and improve production methods for container-grown blueberries during the contract period, including plant establishment, pruning, plant recovery, organic production practices, and preparation for the next production cycle. Evaluate interactions among water quality, substrate conditions, nutrient delivery, drainage, and blueberry plant response, and recommend adjustments to improve crop performance and resource efficiency. Maintain technical crop records, document field conditions and production results, and provide recommendations to improve blueberry plant health, yield potential, and crop performance during the contract period. Occasionally provide technical guidance and instruction to other farm workers on implementing approved blueberry production practices, including irrigation, fertigation, pruning, crop monitoring, and plant-health procedures. This instruction is incidental to the Agronomist's primary technical duties. Occasionally drive to and from farm-related locations to obtain supplies, deliver crop samples, or perform other work-related errands. Driving is incidental and is not a primary duty of the position, and will be performed only when the worker is properly licensed and authorized.

Special Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Science, Horticulture, or closely related agricultural field required. Minimum of 48 months of experience is required in commercial crop production. Demonstrated professional experience with commercial blueberry production is required. Experience with container-grown or substrate-based crop production is required. Experience with irrigation and fertigation management, nutrient programs, EC and pH control, substrate/root-zone monitoring, drainage, and crop-health diagnostics. Ability to independently evaluate blueberry crop conditions, document plant response, and recommend technical adjustments to irrigation, fertigation, nutrition, substrate management, and other production practices. Must be able to obtain a driver's license within 30 days of hire. Lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds. The worker will be exposed to extreme temperatures. Extensive walking is required. Frequent stooping is required.