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Job Overview:
The Horticulturist will be responsible for managing the cultivation of tomatoes and habaneros in open fields and bell peppers in greenhouses, ensuring high-quality yield and sustainable practices. This role involves overseeing plant health, soil and nutrient management, pest and disease control, and optimizing growing conditions both in the open field and greenhouse environments. The ideal candidate will leverage their expertise to enhance productivity, improve crop quality, and ensure efficient use of resources.
Key Responsibilities:
Crop Planning and Field Management:
- Develop and implement crop schedules and rotation plans specific to tomatoes, habaneros, and bell peppers.
- Prepare soil for planting in open fields, including plowing, fertilization, and soil conditioning.
- Establish optimal planting densities and row spacing for each crop to maximize yield.
Greenhouse Management (Bell Peppers):
- Oversee greenhouse environment controls, such as temperature, humidity, and light, to support bell pepper growth.
- Implement and maintain irrigation and fertigation systems in the greenhouse.
- Monitor plant growth stages in the greenhouse to optimize flower and fruit set.
Plant Health and Nutrition:
- Develop crop-specific nutrient management plans to ensure healthy growth and maximize yield.
- Conduct soil and tissue analysis to identify nutrient levels and address deficiencies.
- Ensure that fertilization and watering schedules meet crop requirements for each growth stage.
Pest and Disease Management:
- Monitor crops regularly for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies.
- Develop integrated pest management (IPM) strategies suited for both open fields and greenhouse conditions.
- Coordinate with farm workers for timely application of pest and disease control measures.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling:
- Determine optimal harvest times to ensure peak quality and shelf life.
- Train staff on proper harvesting techniques to minimize damage to fruits.
- Oversee sorting, grading, and packing of produce to meet market standards.
Data Collection and Reporting:
- Maintain detailed records on crop performance, including growth rates, yields, and incidences of pests or diseases.
- Prepare and submit regular reports on crop health, yield projections, and productivity.
- Analyze production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Team Supervision and Training:
- Supervise field and greenhouse workers, providing training on crop care, pest identification, and safe handling of plants.
- Assign daily tasks to team members and ensure adherence to production plans.
- Promote safety practices and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Sustainability and Environmental Practices:
- Implement water and resource conservation practices, such as drip irrigation and mulching.
- Promote sustainable practices in both open fields and greenhouse operations.
- Stay updated on best practices in sustainable horticulture and apply them to farm operations.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related field.
- Experience: 3+ years of experience in horticulture, with a focus on tomatoes, peppers, or similar crops in both open-field and greenhouse settings.
Skills:
- Strong knowledge of tomato, habanero, and bell pepper cultivation.
- Proficiency in greenhouse management and environmental controls.
- Excellent understanding of pest and disease management.
Preferred Competencies:
- Experience with organic and sustainable farming practices.
- Ability to use farm management software for data tracking and analysis.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.