Commercial Horticulturalist / Agriculturalist

JOB SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:
This position will manage a state-of-the-art indoor hydroponic growing system designed to grow produce for supermarkets. Grower will be required to maintain organization and control of a 4th Generation Containerized Hydroponic Growing System (CGS IV). Grower will have to manage planting, harvest, and delivery schedules for a variety of different plants.

• overseeing the cultivation and maintenance of plants and crops
• managing weed/pest/disease control programmes
• ensuring compliance with UK and European community regulations and legislation, e.g organic cultivation requirements
• organizing horticultural trials
• analyzing horticultural yields, operational costs and financial returns
• maintaining financial and administrative records
• writing and modifying business plans
• supervising and training staff
• developing new products
• negotiating contracts with buyers and suppliers
• liaising with colleagues, local officials, customers, professional groups etc
• ensuring that deadlines and quality standards are met within set budgets
• organizing/giving presentations and demonstrations
• marketing and selling produce
• attending conferences

Qualifications and Training Required :

• There are routes into a commercial horticulture career for both university graduates and school leavers.
• Degrees or higher national diplomas (HNDs) in horticulture, agriculture, soil/earth sciences, environmental science or crop/plant science will aid entry into the profession.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification may also be helpful for some opportunities.
• Practical paid or voluntary work experience (such as crop growing, retail etc) is essential.
• This can be gained via work shadowing, vacation jobs, placements and short-term contracts.

Key skills for Commercial Horticulturists :

In addition to horticultural skills and knowledge, employers look for evidence of initiative, commercial awareness and good problem-solving, communication, team working and organizational skills.

All candidates must be physically fit and capable of working well under the pressure of meeting tight deadlines. A full driving license is also normally required