Job description
VerdantFields Nursery & Research is seeking a seasoned Horticulturist to join our team in Davis, CA. This role leads cultivation programs across greenhouse and field settings, drives plant health, and advances sustainable horticulture practices across our research and production operations.
As a key member of the horticulture team, you will design and execute propagation and cultivation strategies, manage data-driven trials, and collaborate with researchers, breeders, and operations staff to deliver high-quality plant material.
We offer a competitive compensation package, a collaborative work environment, and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge cultivar development.
Ready to grow with us? Apply today.
Responsibility
- Lead cultivation operations in greenhouse and field settings, ensuring optimal growth, health, and quality of plant material.
- Design and implement propagation, pruning, grafting, and training programs for multiple cultivars.
- Oversee irrigation, fertigation, soil health, nutrient management, and IPM programs to maximize yield while minimizing environmental impact.
- Manage data collection, trial design, plant performance analysis, and reporting to guide breeding and product development.
- Collaborate with research, breeders, and operations teams on new varieties, cultivation practices, and standard operating procedures.
- Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and sustainability standards; maintain clean, organized workspaces and record-keeping.
- Train, supervise, and mentor junior staff and interns; manage inventory, equipment, and supplier relationships.
- Monitor crop health, diagnose issues, coordinate with pathologists or agronomists, and implement corrective actions.
Qualification
- BS or MS in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
- 5+ years of greenhouse management or field trial experience; knowledge of propagation, grafting, pruning, and cultivar performance.
- Strong knowledge of plant physiology, IPM, disease diagnosis, and nutrient management.
- Proficiency with data management and analysis (Excel, Google Sheets, or similar) and experience with greenhouse automation is a plus.
- Experience with hydroponic or soil-based cultivation; familiarity with irrigation systems and fertigation.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills; ability to train and supervise staff.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, work in controlled environments, and valid driver's license; willingness to travel between sites if needed.