POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Breeding Manager, leads the zero chill breeding activities in Peru. This includes but is not limited to developing crossing plans, making selections, managing projects and processes and related operations, and overseeing data collection and reporting. Provides direction and guidance to breeding and field staff to optimize breeding activities for zero and low chill levels, while supporting genetic enrichment across other chill levels.

ORGANIZATIONAL FIT:

This position reports to the Breeding Manager and supervises other employees in the department. This position collaborates with other managers and departments in the company and has frequent interactions with customers, visitors, and guests of Fall Creek.

JOB SETTING

Office, nursery, and field setting. May be exposed to weather, insects, bees, pollen, fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals. Requires working under hot conditions in greenhouses, and outside in rain and sun for extended periods.

Domestic and international travel required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Other duties may be assigned)

1. Responsible for performing and directing Breeding Technicians in all program activities including:

- Planting – responsible for facilitating all local and regional field trials.
- Greenhouse/winter house management – ensure completion of routine care and maintenance of all potted plants in coordination with the Research Farming team.
- Controlled blueberry crosses, including planning, emasculation, pollination, tagging, and record keeping.
- Seedling management - germination, transplanting, labeling, maintenance, selection, and record keeping of seedlings from controlled crosses.
- Phenotypic data collection – responsible for accurate field data collection from field and lab trials.
- Harvest – Ensure harvest is completed and proper practices are followed to guarantee safety of fruit for consumption.
- Lead field evaluations of seedling families, selection blocks, and varieties at the research farm and general breeding trial locations.
- Coordinate and perform fruit lab data collection, ensuring accurate updates are maintained in the database.




- Support the Farming Team with routine care and maintenance of plant inventory. Coordinate and perform scouting activities of nursery plants for pests and disease on a regular basis.
- Support Fall Creek’s traceability and import/export systems through timely DNA and virus testing of plant material, permitting, and regular maintenance of testing records.
- Responsible for accurate propagation for variety development needs.
- Data collection and curation for all IP requirements – assisting the Breeding manager in fulfilling IP requirements for patent registration.
- Responsible for sample collection coordination, data process, and utilization of the routinely assisting the genomics projects and deploying genomic tools in the breeding program.
- Management of the R&D; foundation plant collection.
- Responsible for establishment, routine cultural care, inventory, and quarantine inspections of new plant introductions in coordination with the R&D; and Clean Plant teams.

1. Supervises day-to-day labor force, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment.
2. Manages employee(s) including goal setting, training and development, and addressing performance issues. Coaches and develops employees to improve job performance when appropriate. Ensures that performance discussions are completed in a timely manner. Establishes and maintains good morale, motivation, and recognition of accomplishments. Perpetuates and enhances Fall Creek’s core values and corporate culture.
3. Participates in department, management, and other company meetings and events.
4. Maintains confidentiality and ensures safe keeping of proprietary varieties. Assures the highest level of confidentiality on sensitive matters concerning the nursery.
5.



Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND TRAINING
1. Graduate degree in breeding, horticulture, agronomy or related field and 4+ years’ experience in a breeding program or Bachelor’s degree in breeding, horticulture, agronomy or related field plus 8 years’ experience operating a breeding program.
2. Professional workplace English language proficiency.
3. High level proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including general database knowledge.
4. Effective verbal and written communication skills to present and exchange information in the field and in reports.
5. Ability to prioritize work within established guidelines and follow through on a variety of requests.
6. Ability to work with and manage high levels of detailed information.
7. Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks – excellent time management, organizational, risk management, and problem-solving skills.
8. Ability to develop and manage a team of research technicians, and farm staff.
9. Requires good judgment and the ability to positively influence team decision making and operations.
10. Ability to develop clear action plans and drive processes with multiple interdependencies.
11. Ability to collaborate with other team members and maintain a positive attitude. Must be able to exercise good judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
12. Demonstrated track record of teamwork in a multicultural environment and ability to work effectively with diverse communities.
13. Regular and reliable attendance at the primary place of business.
14. Ability to meet the physical demands of the position.
15. Must demonstrate professional and ethical business practices, adherence to company values, and a commitment to personal and professional development.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience as a breeder leading a large commercial program.
2. Experience in fruit breeding or managing fruit production.
3. Experience deploying molecular tools to aid in the breeding process.
4. Master’s degree or PhD in breeding, horticulture, agronomy or related field.

📌 Breeding Program Manager (Paiján)
🏢 Fall Creek®
📍 Paiján