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 Foundation Plant Lead. This position is based in Tala, Jalisco, Mexico.

This position is responsible for managing the production foundation plant program for all crops. Work includes horticultural care, foundation plant registration activities for SENASICA and management of inventories and associated testing data.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Other duties may be assigned)

• Leads implementation of Vaccinium and Rubus Certification programs including: Manages annual registration of foundation plants.
• Manages large data sets of foundation plant inventory and all associated testing data.
• Develops strategy and schedules movement of plants between the clean stock program and various foundation houses.
• Acquires and creates new foundation plants to support initiation and supply needs as prescribed by the supply plan.
• Responsible for DNA and virus testing lists and organizes leaf sampling and collection.
• Conducts internal audits of the infrastructure and plants to comply with external regulations.
• Maintains foundation plant traceability records throughout our internal systems.
• Works closely with the Global Invitro Planning Lead and the Tissue Culture Lab to maintain material availability for tissue culture initiations. 
• Manages the horticultural care of foundation plants including irrigation, fertilizing, pruning, flower removal, weeding, etc. and maintains records of other data points as needed.
• Works closely with the Crop Health Supervisor for routine scouting and schedules necessary sprays for crop health and pest management.
• Maintains mechanical systems and equipment including greenhouse controls, irrigation system, and chemical injection systems.
• Trains new employees in company processes and work standards.
• Monitors inventory of supplies and submits purchase requests in a timely manner.
• Collaborates with international foundation and clean stock programs to meet business goals and maintain standardized program functions.
• Routine reporting of all activities to various stakeholders and management within designated timelines.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAINING:

• English language proficiency. 
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a plant sciences field or area clearly related to the above-mentioned duties.
•  2+ years' experience in a position clearly related to the above-mentioned duties. Minimum of 1+ years' experience in a supervisory/management position with proven ability to manage, develop, and mentor staff.
• Strong working knowledge of data management software such as the Microsoft suite of programs.
• Ability to prioritize work within established guidelines and follow through on a variety of requests.
• Ability to develop clear action plans and drive processes with many interdependencies.
• Ability to effectively present information in formal and informal settings.
• Must commit to quality. Must be results-driven and customer-focused.
• Willingness to learn new skills and be part of a team.