Tree Technical Services Manager, Australia

Company: Terviva Private Limited

Job Title: Tree Technical Services Manager, Australia

Reports to: VP of Tree R&D

Location: Queensland, Australia (preferred: Emerald, Moranbah, Mackay, or Rockhampton)

About us:

Terviva is a fast-growing food and agriculture company, headquartered in Alameda, California, with operations in the USA (Florida, Hawaii), India, and Australia. Terviva partners with farmers and communities around the world to harvest and grow pongamia, a regenerative, permanent tree crop historically used in Asia for landscape plantings, agroforestry and reforestation. As an indigenous crop, pongamia provides shade, medicinal remedies, vegetable oil, soil amendments and other products. Dubbed a "super tree," pongamia requires minimal water input and naturally resists pests due to its innate bitter compounds. Terviva has planted proprietary varieties of pongamia trees on over 1,500 acres in Florida and Hawaii to validate agronomic performance and we are expanding operations in Australia and India. And after more than a decade of innovation, Terviva has discovered a way to remove pongamia's bitter compounds and transform pongamia beans into nutritious and sustainable food ingredients called Ponova. With a diverse product portfolio including food and fuel, farmers can supply multiple market segments as opportunities develop.

Learn more at Terviva.com

OVERALL JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Services Manager to oversee our Pongamia field trials located in Central Queensland.The purpose of this position is to integrate field management and research data to derive actionable insights into Pongamia crop development. Key activities include contractor management of orchard caretaking, contractor management of research treatments (e.g. fertilizer applications), and data collection of tree response. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in horticulture and a proven track record of successfully managing field contractors. This role falls within Terviva's Trees and Impact Group, led by the Chief Commercialization Officer (CCO), who oversees and facilitates global activities. This role reports to the Vice President of Tree R&D. These administrative relationships will facilitate strong technical and commercial ties to Terviva's Florida-based Tree Operations, as well as other global units.

Requirements

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Contractor Management:

• Selection and Onboarding:
  • Assist in the selection process for irrigation maintenance, orchard activities (pruning, spraying, harvesting, etc.), and other necessary contractors.
  • Manage contracts, ensuring clear scopes of work, performance metrics, and safety protocols.
  • Onboard contractors, providing necessary site information, access permissions, and facilitating safety training (safety specialist will be provided by accredited third party).
  Supervision and Coordination:
  • Schedule and coordinate contractor activities to align with orchard needs and seasonal requirements.
  • Monitor contractor performance against agreed-upon standards, addressing any deviations or issues promptly.
  • Conduct regular site visits to inspect work quality and ensure adherence to safety regulations.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for contractors, facilitating communication and resolving any conflicts.
  • Review invoices from contractors and ensure that the work completed matches the billing.
  Quality Assurance:
  • Implement quality control procedures to ensure contractor work meets established standards.
  • Conduct regular inspections and audits of contractor activities.
  • Document any deficiencies and work with contractors to implement corrective actions.

2. Data Collection, Analysis and Communication:

• Data Collection and Recording:
  • Collect field data on a regular basis, following established Terviva protocols.
  • Maintain accurate and organized records of all collected data.
  Data Analysis and Reporting:
  • Complete high-level analysis of collected data to identify trends, patterns, and potential issues.
  • Compare data to predetermined growth and productivity targets, and report any discrepancies.
  • Share data with internal R&D colleagues and/or research partners (e.g. Universities), who will lead a more detailed analysis and writing of reports
  Data Driven Decisions:
  • Use the data to inform decisions related to irrigation scheduling, fertilization, pest control, and other orchard management practices.
    • Communication of information:
      • In a clear and compelling manner, communicate research findings to diverse stakeholders, including investors, operators, landowners, and end-product users, ensuring alignment and understanding of key management practices.

3. General Orchard Oversight:

• Site Inspections:
  • Conduct regular site inspections to assess orchard health and identify any potential issues (e.g., pests, diseases, irrigation problems).
  • Document observations and report any concerns to relevant parties.
  Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance:
  • Monitor the condition of orchard infrastructure, including irrigation systems, fences, and access roads.
  • Report any maintenance needs to the appropriate contractors or personnel.
  Safety and Compliance:
  • Implement and maintain a safe working environment for contractors and personnel.
  • Maintain proper records of safety inspections and training.
  Record Keeping:
  • Maintain detailed records of all orchard activities, including contractor work, data collection, and site inspections.
  • Organize and manage all relevant documentation, including contracts, permits, and reports.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Required skills & qualifications:

• Authorization to work in Australia without Visa support.
• Certificate III or IV, or preferably Diploma in Horticulture/Agriculture, coupled with appropriate professional experience (10+ years). Comparable experience in a related field (e.g. forestry) will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of orchard management principles.
• Experience (5+ years) in contractor management and supervision.
• Proficiency in data collection and preliminary analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability and availability to travel to remote locations to manage and complete project activities

Salary & Benefits:

• The opportunity to make an impact in a fast-growing, mission-driven company
• Competitive annual salary commensurate with role and experience
• Potential annual bonus
• Stock options commensurate with role and experience
• Cell phone stipend
• Vehicle

Working at Terviva offers you:

• The opportunity to make an impact in a fast-growing mission-driven late stage start-up that believes in sustainability, equity and care for our environment and our communities.
  • Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.
  • Potential to earn annual bonus, stock options, commensurate with role and experience.
    • Medical and life insurance benefits.

Next Steps:

To apply, please respond to the company position below by submitting an enclosed Job Application Form.

Please include your resume and a cover letter telling us about yourself, your experience and why you are well suited for this job with Terviva.

Terviva is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status and sexual orientation or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Our leadership team is dedicated to this policy and all employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.