JOB SUMMARY 

Lead self-directed satellite farm production team to produce high quality trees and palms. Team Leader is to cultivate and maintain a variety of tree & palm species utilizing some of the most advanced methods and processes. The Team Leader will provide for the daily organization and distribution of production work assignments and evaluate all crop activities and coordinate for all necessary support functions. Monitor and make sure the group is shifting and maintaining quality according to Cherrylake standards. Two or more years of direct working experience in nursery production or sales of agricultural products. Will also consider professionals who have work experience in nursery production, turf grass, landscaping, arboriculture or a related "green" industry. Minimum of one year in a management or supervisory position with the ability conduct all employment practices related to managing and directing staff. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

This position is based out of the Cherrylake Satellite Farm located in Lake Wales, FL.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Maintain palms and trees to meet Florida #1 or better according to Florida Grades & Standards.

• Carryout Cherrylake pesticide, herbicide and fertilizer programs.

• Provide for the process of potting trees from 3 gallon liners, air pot, grow bags or large containers.

• Direct crew in the appropriate and efficient process to place trees in holes according to planting specifications.

• Work with members of crew through all phases of work.

• Show initiative and guide members of the crew to ensure CL standard of quality is achieved.

• Exhibit a positive, supportive and enthusiastic attitude towards other members of the crew and the work effort of the group.

• Enforce all safety rules.  Report unsafe acts or conditions to the manager immediately. 

• Continuously monitor productivity of the group.  Encourage group performance.

• Enforce proper work start times and stop times.

• Enforce sanitation of equipment.

• Prepare daily and weekly work schedules. 

• Hold regular safety training sessions for all crew members.

• Maintain sections free of weeds, suckers, and trash.

• Carry out Cherrylake pruning program in a timely manner, follow pruning methodology and procedures and carry out holding system maintenance program.

• Professional leadership through example.

• Coordinate work assignments for crew.  

• Communicate with Manager on dumping and consolidation to ensure proper reports are completed on time. Keep record of the dumps, harvest or consolidation.  Write down the lot number, the container size and from what section the trees came from, etc.

• Ensure that the field tractor is fueled, well maintained with oil and water prior to leaving the yard each morning. Air tires on trailer as needed.

• Put water and ice in water coolers every morning.

• Schedule maintenance of equipment with the shop.

• Monitor equipment drivers to ensure safe operation.

• Perform hiring, written reviews, disciplinary and termination functions.

• When consolidating, harvesting or dumping, stick the spitter stakes in the ground, do not leave them laying down.

• Report all accidents immediately to your supervisor and Human Resources.

• Use problem solving skills to resolve problems immediately. If the problem is getting out of hand, call your Manager immediately.

• Monitor performance of crews.  Encourage high quality efficient work methods.

• Communicate ideas and suggestions for improvement to the Manager.

• All other duties assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Two or more years of direct working experience in nursery production or sales of agricultural products. Will also consider professionals who have work experience in nursery production, turf grass, landscaping, arboriculture or a related "green" industry.

• Minimum of one year in a management or supervisory position with the ability conduct all employment practices related to managing and directing staff.

• Highly organized, computer literate, demonstrate self-initiative, and take pride in quality production

• Demonstrated organizational and planning skills, effective time management.

• Ability to operate various kinds of farm equipment including trucks, tractors, mules and forklifts.

• A high degree of proficiency in developing and analysis reports using information from a variety of information resources and databases.

• Computer skills using one or more spreadsheet and word-processing software application programs.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to write and operate small hand tools and farm equipment

Physical Demands 

• Strenuous physical exertion with continuous lifting, bending and stretching. 

• Lifting objects independently from 50 lbs and over without assistance. 

• Frequent reaching, stretching over head and bending or squatting. 

• Standing for long periods of time. Occasional driving of truck and other farm equipment.

Job Site Conditions 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, outside weather (heat or cold), and moving mechanical equipment.

REQUIRED LICENSES / HOURS OF WORK 

• Valid Driver's License with clean MVR.

• Florida pesticide applicator’s license a plus (will need to acquire within 90 days of employment)

NOTICE