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 agribusiness 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 R&D Agronomist – Raspberry / Blackberry to join our team in Odemira, Portugal.
If you are a passionate, proactive, and responsible person, we invite you to apply.
The main mission of the position is to be responsible for assisting the Hortifrut breeding and variety development program, under direction of the Lead Breeding Assistant
Responsibilities and Duties:
• Organizes and coordinates field activities such as harvest, pruning, cleaning, and check list of materials, such as fertilizers, phytosanitary, EPI’s and tools.
• Management of field employees as well the weekly calendar of field activities.
• Responsible for routine care and maintenance of all plant materials, at all phenological stages.
• Monitors and develops thresholds for controlling pests and diseases. Using a team-based and integrated pest management approach, schedules and oversees treatments for pests and diseases.
• Manages the quality of irrigation water and fertilizers, including pH, EC, and % drainage from substrate.
• Uploads substrate monitoring, pH, EC data to the database, as well as other analysis or data requested.
• Responsible for the collection of leaves, substrate, and water for further analysis; interpretation of results and generation of tables and graphs to visualize data.
• Generate data and reports regarding health and nutritional condition of plants.
• Monitors nutritional health of plants and strategizes nutritional recipes.
• Develops/adjusts fertigation based on plant needs and phenology.
• Organizes the maintenance of the site, plans worker schedules, maintains a clean and organized facility.
• Responsible for checking the condition of tools, materials, machinery as well as the need for calibration and maintenance (Inventory).
• Leads the creation of protocols related to field management (fertigation, phytosanitary aspects, cleaning and maintenance of materials and equipment’s).
• 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.
• Collaborates with the design of field and lab projects, contact providers, and provides quotes of services.
• Assures the highest level of confidentiality on sensitive matters concerning company strategy and intellectual property.
Candidate profile:
• Prefer a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, botany or related field, 2+ years of industry 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.
• Holds a valid driver’s license.
• 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.
• Always emphasizes a safety-first attitude for all employees
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!
