Job Description

The R&D Botanist at Moon Valley Nurseries is responsible for managing and overseeing complex horticultural sites while leading large teams of full-time and seasonal staff. This role requires expertise in agronomy, farming practices, and applied research, with a focus on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for documenting, evaluating, and improving the growing practices at all 13 farm locations company-wide
• Analyze, compare, experiment with plant growth patterns and variances due to:
  • Climate, altitude, sun-exposure, spacing, maturity when propagated, fertilization, water schedules, etc
• Create most efficient and cost-effective program for growing each individual species to maturity
• Compare growth cycles of plants when grown in greenhouse vs outside exposure
• Work with finance teams to calculate pay-back period for new greenhouses
• Make recommendations for which varieties grow best at which farm based on recordable data
• Create/Maintain photo catalogue to track plant growth by farm by month for each species
• Work with accounting team to create detailed cost accounting for all inventory by size/variety
• Assist with quality control
• Update plot quality in inventory management system/Availability list
• Ensure best growing practices are being followed at all locations
• Make recommendations for spoiling poor quality inventory early in maturity cycle
• Inspect outgoing inventory prior to them being shipped out
• Provide recommendations for industry best practices that can be incorporated into our farming operations
• Oversee the agronomy of all crops, both in substrate and soil production systems, working with the existing research farm teams to grow the crops to best commercial practice.
• Develop and implement sustainable research farm systems to deliver high quality data for both plant breeding and applied research trials so they can accurately guide commercial decisions.
• Lead and empower the team and improve the overall technical knowledge of the research farm staff and strengthen the knowledge base of the research farm teams. Mentor and onboard new research farm staff and foster development and collaboration.
• Ensure the research farms operate within the approved budgetary targets by managing and monitoring expenditures accordingly, including larger capital purchases.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of the research farms and ensure implementation of plans in alignment with plant breeders and applied research.
• Develop, design and implement high-quality processes and improvements in research farms and lead the development of new technologies in the breeding research farms.
• Oversee the teams pest and disease scouting and management. Ensure weed management with a clean and organized area.

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Significant experience of managing complex horticultural sites involving large teams of full-time and seasonal staff.
• Plan and manage budgets and prioritizing expenditure within set guidelines.
• Knowledge of the agronomy of horticultural crops from seedling to harvesting.
• Practical experience of farming practices including equipment operation and management, irrigation management, and pest control.
• Feel comfortable working in field, office and corporate settings, and able and willing to perform hard, repetitive physical work as necessary.
• Valid drivers license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program are also required.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Open attitude to try new systems and new technologies in farming.
• Collaborative attitude towards breeding, entomology, and applied research customers, with the highest level of service.
• Other duties as assigned

Education

Bachelors degree (with at least 8 years of experience) or a Masters degree (with at least 5 years of experience) in Horticulture, Biology, Biochemistry or Agriculture, with comprehensive understanding of horticulture crops and agronomy, plant physiology and plant genetics.

Physical requirements/Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 35 pounds. Able to work outdoors for extended periods of time in possibly extreme conditions, including rain, heat, sun, and wind.

OTHER

Subject to MVR and criminal background check (In accordance with applicable fair chance laws, rules, and regulations)

About Us

Moon Valley Nurseries is the largest grower of box trees and palms in North America, and is an industry leader and high growth company that offers competitive salaries with exceptional employee benefits including medical insurance, 401(k), holidays, and PTO to all eligible employees. We are an equal employment opportunity employer. We are a drug free workplace.

#MVNOTHER

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