College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Position Purpose

The Berry Blue Breeding Intern is responsible for providing crucial support to Berry Blue’s breeding program by assisting in operations and research activities. This involves tasks such as cultivating and maintaining plants, collecting phenotypic data and assisting with research projects. Additionally, the Intern will be involved in troubleshooting technical issues, implementing best practices, and collaborating with team members to ensure that the greenhouse and field operations run smoothly, plants are properly cared for, and research objectives are met.

Organizational Relationships

Direct Supervisor: Plant Breeding Manager

Significant Relationships: Berry Blue Program Director, Berry Blue Team in Grand Junction, Michigan

Locations

1.  Grand Junction, MI

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

1. Assist with day-to-day care of plants, including watering, fertilizing, pruning, and monitoring of pests and diseases.

2. Assist in greenhouse and field operations including seed extraction, seed germination, harvesting, plant propagation, tagging of plants, planting, setting up of seedling blocks, field mapping, and plant tissue sampling.

3. Collaborate with the breeding technical team, assisting in the implementation of research projects in both greenhouse and field environments, collection of plant tissue sample, phenotypic data collection, and data analysis.

4. Support the breeding technical team with fruit quality assessments, including the operation of laboratory instruments to measure fruit firmness, texture, sugar and acid concentration, etc.

5. Assist in data collection and entry.

6. Maintain compliance with all Federal/State/Company employment, worker protection, and pesticide and agricultural regulations. Schedule, record and apply pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation treatments.

7. Perform other duties as assigned.

 Qualifications and Skills Required

1.  Bachelor’s student or recent graduate in Agronomy, Horticulture or related sciences or relevant experience in fruit or vegetable farm, nursery and/or greenhouse is preferred.

2. Experience in greenhouse or blueberry farming operation and knowledge in plant propagation, irrigation systems, plant disease and pest control and nursery container production is highly desirable.

3. Experience in research related activities is preferred.

4. Ability to operate farm equipment such as tractors and sprayers is preferred.

5. Knowledge of relevant computer software such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel is required. 

6. Effective written and oral communications skills. 

7. Should demonstrate skills in organization as well as flexibility.

8. Valid driver’s license and possession of or ability to obtain commercial pesticide applicator’s license for fruit, nursery, and greenhouse operations.

Physical Demand (With or without accommodations)

9. Ability to work in all weather conditions and can lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

10.  Occasional overtime, weekend and holiday work may be required.

11.  Travel to trial locations in Michigan is required.

Location: Grand Junction, MI

Hours: Full-time, Non-exempt