Production Horticulturist

Location: Sommerville, VIC, 3912
Full-Time: Immediate start
Job Title: Production Horticulturist
Salary range: $76,515 - $85,000
Job Closure date: 30 days

About our Client
Our client is a prominent leader in the FMCG and production horticulture sector, operating sophisticated agricultural facilities on the Mornington Peninsula. Specializing in high-value crop production, they implement advanced growing systems and precision agriculture technologies across their diverse horticultural operations. Their integrated approach combines expert crop management with cutting-edge farming techniques, ensuring optimal land preparation, crop establishment, and sustainable production practices. With a strong focus on innovation and operational excellence, they maintain industry-leading standards for commercial horticultural production from soil preparation through to harvest.

About the Role
On behalf of our client, we are seeking an experienced and dedicated Production Horticulturist to join their dynamic crop production team. This hands-on role requires a skilled horticultural professional with comprehensive knowledge of crop production systems, machinery operation, and field management. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in precision farming techniques, crop protection, and operational planning, ensuring the highest standards of production efficiency and crop quality across our client's sophisticated horticultural operations.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
Land Preparation & Crop Establishment
• Implement and supervise comprehensive land preparation activities, ensuring all operations are conducted according to established procedures and quality standards
• Operate and manage various tractors and specialized implements for soil cultivation, bed formation, and field preparation, optimizing conditions for crop establishment
• Utilize precision spreading and seeding equipment to achieve accurate planting densities and optimal crop establishment across diverse production areas
• Conduct soil fumigation operations and manage drainage system installation to create ideal growing conditions and prevent waterlogging issues

Crop Management & Protection
• Identify and promptly report unusual disease patterns or pest infestations, implementing immediate control measures to protect crop health and yield potential
• Prepare and apply targeted chemical treatments to control pests, weeds, and diseases, ensuring precise application timing and adherence to safety protocols
• Operate and manage sophisticated pressurised irrigation systems, optimizing water application to meet crop requirements while maximizing water use efficiency
• Monitor and manage nursery plant development, ensuring healthy propagation material and successful transplanting operations

Operational Planning & Resource Management
• Develop and implement detailed working programs on daily, weekly, and monthly bases, facilitating efficient execution of all horticultural operations and tasks
• Ensure adequate availability of all material inputs for respective operations, maintaining optimal inventory levels and coordinating timely procurement
• Assess work quality across all production activities, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions to maintain exceptional standards
• Coordinate horticultural crop harvesting activities, optimizing timing and methods to maximize yield quality and minimize product loss

Equipment Management & Team Coordination
• Maintain and ensure the optimal upkeep of all tractors and agricultural implements, performing routine maintenance and coordinating repairs with maintenance teams
• Train and monitor equipment operators, ensuring all tasks are performed according to standard procedures and safety requirements
• Liaise effectively with Farm Operations Manager, Agronomist, and Maintenance Manager to align horticultural activities with overall production strategies and resource plans
• Implement and monitor equipment operation protocols, ensuring all machinery is used safely and efficiently according to manufacturer specifications and company standards

Essential Qualifications & Experience
• AQF Certificate III or IV in Horticulture, Agriculture, or equivalent qualification
• Proven post-qualification experience in a production horticulture role within a commercial environment
• Demonstrated experience in agricultural machinery operation, crop protection, and irrigation management

Essential Skills & Attributes
• Comprehensive knowledge of crop production systems, soil management, and precision farming techniques
• Strong operational planning skills with ability to develop and implement effective work programs
• Excellent practical skills in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery and implements
• Proven ability to work effectively within team environments while demonstrating strong autonomous work capabilities
• Practical, hands-on approach with commitment to achieving production targets and quality standards
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to identify crop health issues and implement effective solutions
• Excellent communication skills with ability to liaise effectively with team members, management, and technical specialists
• Adaptability to changing seasonal demands and ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic production environment

To Apply
If you are an experienced production horticulture professional seeking to advance your career within a leading FMCG business, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience through the application portal.
Please note: We are managing this recruitment process on behalf of our client. All applications will be reviewed by our team before being presented to the client.