In Hortifrut we work to be world leaders in the Berries category, we are a multinational company, present in different markets and a reference in the Agrobusiness industry.
We have a clear purpose and strong commitment to sustainable development, inclusion, and non-discrimination, as we understand the value of diversity and multiculturalism as key factors for innovation.
In this opportunity, we are looking for a Senior Agronomist – Raspberry & Blackberry to join our team in Odemira, Portugal.
The main mission of the position is to be responsible for assisting the Hortifrut Breeding and Variety Development Program, reporting directly to the Lead Breeding Assistant.
If you are a passionate, proactive, and responsible person, we invite you to apply.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Together with the Lead Breeding Assistant decides and schedule treatments for pests and diseases as well as fertigation.
- Monitors pests and diseases, which includes scouting / tracking pest populations, level of severity of diseases, and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) methods.
- Monitors the quality of irrigation water and fertilizers, which includes collecting samples of water, leaves and substrate and interpretate their results.
- Assists with accurate data collection from breeding and applied research plots and generate reports about the collected data.
- Assists with care and health of seed/seedlings from controlled crosses.
- Assists with routine care and maintenance of all plant materials.
- Responsible for the management of field employees and all aspects farm management.
- Design and control weekly calendar of field activities, as well as field workers vacation.
- Coordinates and ensure field activities such as harvest, pruning, irrigation, cleaning, and management of field employees are accomplished efficiently and seasonally.
- Provides and updates check list of materials, such as fertilizers, phytosanitary treatments, EPI’s and tools.
- Creates and updates the field inventory for checking the condition of tools, materials, machinery as well as the need for calibration and maintenance (Inventory).
- Organizes the maintenance of the site, plans worker schedules, maintains a clean and organized facility.
- Provides routinary trainings to field employees.
- Verify possible points of improvement, including prevention of accidents, systems of operation and condition of our facilities.
- Supervises and controls the inventory of fertilizers, phytochemicals, necessary field supplies.
- Supervises the level and quality of water of our reservoirs.
- Supervises the worked hours from field employees.
- Supports the Lead Breeding Assistant to accomplish department goals and provides special project support as needed.
- Collaborates with the design of field, nurseries, lab, sustainability projects, contact providers, and provides quotes of services.
- Assures the highest level of confidentiality on sensitive matters concerning company strategy and intellectual property.
- This position may require the availability to work during the weekends to maintain and sustain routine farming operations.
- Works closely with other departments and international teams on various R&D activities such as plant shipping, data reporting, and trial planning.
- Supports the Lead Breeding Assistant to accomplish department goals and provides special project support as needed.
- Assures the highest level of confidentiality on sensitive matters concerning our company goals and projects.
Who you are:
- Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, botany, food science, or related field, 2+ years of experience in a similar field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Good knowledge of English and/or Spanish is an advantage.
- Solid knowledge and experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to provide detailed reporting using Excel spreadsheets.
- Regular and reliable attendance at the primary place of business.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the position. Must be able to lift up to 25 kg.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Spirit of leadership and dynamic aptitude is required.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize work within set guidelines and follow through on a variety of requests.
- Ability to identify problems as well as manage multiple projects.
- Ability to work with and manage a high level of detailed information.
- Ability to collaborate with other team members and maintain a positive attitude.
- Must be able to exercise good judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
- Must demonstrate professional and ethical business practices, adherence to company values, and a commitment to personal and professional development.
If you suit the requirements, you are interested in taking on new challenges and want to be part of a leading company in its field, we invite you to apply and join our team!
We are waiting for you!
