We’re a US-based company with a keen focus on blueberry genetics, plants, and grower support delivered to the world’s premier blueberry growers. From our humble beginnings in Lowell, Oregon more than 40 years ago, we now also have wholly-owned nurseries in Mexico, Peru, Spain, South Africa, Netherlands, and China.

Our mission is to serve the growers and to support the blueberry industry, helping to ensure growers maximize success through our delivery of the best genetics and plants, technical know-how and global market intelligence.

To fulfill our mission, we focus on cultivating exceptional plants, building strong relationships and providing responsive customer service. Fall Creek is creating a world with better blueberries through its collaborative team spread across the globe.

To help us accomplish this, we are seeking a Bilingual (English and Spanish) Blueberry Breeder Program Manager. This position is based in Tala, Jalisco Mexico.

The Breeder Program Manager leads zero and low chill breeding activities for blueberry (Vaccinium). This includes but is not limited to developing crossing plans, making selections, managing projects and processes, and overseeing data collection and reporting. Additionally, provides direction to breeding and field staff to optimize breeding activities for zero and low chill levels, while supporting genetic enrichment across other chill levels.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Other duties may be assigned)

• Responsible for performing and directing Breeding Technicians in all program activities including:

Planting – responsible for facilitating all local and regional field trials.

Greenhouse/winter house management – ensure completion of routine care and maintenance of all potted plants in coordination with the Applied Research team.

Controlled Blueberries crosses, including planning, emasculation, pollination, tagging, and record keeping.

Seedling management - germination, transplanting, labeling, maintenance, selection, and record keeping of seedlings from controlled crosses.

Phenotypic data collection – responsible for accurate field data collection from field and lab trials.

Harvest – Ensure harvest is completed and proper practices are followed to guarantee safety of fruit for consumption.

Lead field evaluations of seedling families, selection blocks, and varieties at the research farm and global breeding trial locations.

Coordinate and perform fruit lab data collection, ensuring accurate updates are maintained in the database.

Routine care and maintenance of plant inventory. Coordinate and perform scouting activities of nursery plants for pests and disease on a regular basis.

Support traceability and import/export systems through timely DNA and virus testing of plant material, permitting, and regular maintenance of testing records.

Responsible for accurate propagation for variety development needs.

Data collection and curation for all IP requirements – assisting the Breeding manager in fulfilling IP requirements for patent registration.

Coordinates True-To-Type program as required.

Management of the R&D foundation plant collection.

Responsible for establishment, routine cultural care, inventory, and quarantine inspections of new plant introductions.

• Manage employees, including supervising day-to-day activities, goal setting, training and development, and performance issues.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAINING:

· Master’s degree or higher in horticulture, botany or related field and 4+ years’ experience in a breeding or horticultural production environment or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· English language proficiency.

· High-level proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including general database knowledge.

· Effective verbal and written communication skills to present and exchange information in the field and reports, and teamwork in a multicultural environment

· Time and priority management, results driven skills.