Plant Health Scout
 

JOB SUMMARY 

The function of the Plant Health Scout is to routinely and systematically observe all crops in production for vigor, color, soil moisture, growth rates, pest/disease, and any other visible indicators of overall plant health. The Plant Heath Scout is responsible for scouting Cherrylake’s main farm in Groveland FL consisting of approx 1000 acres of containerized woody ornamentals as well as 4 smaller satellite locations throughout the state. The candidate will be expected to observe and uphold Cherrylake’s IPM program as laid out and governed by the Plant Health Committee. Duties for this position include but are not limited to: Routine Plant Health Scouting, Process development and improvement, Record keeping and Data Communication. Submission of tissue, soil and water samples to third party labs for further evaluation as required. The position is responsible for assisting in pesticide safety training of staff and field labor as needed. The Plant Health Scout will hold a position on the Plant Health Team and will report directly to the Production Manager
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Routinely and systematically observe all crops in the field for vigor, color, soil moisture, growth rates, pest and disease, and any other visible indicators of overall plant health.  

• Effectively identify trees/palms/woody ornamental pest, disease and nutritional symptoms.  Perform timely rotation for routine weekly scouting of Main Farm.

• Perform Monthly scouting duties at satellite farms.  Perform thorough inspections of all material coming to the main farm before being unloaded and received.  

• Monitoring and documentation of plant growth and behavior response to chemical and nutritional applications as administered by the Plant Health team. 

• Verification of pest and disease infestation trends through charting, documenting, and record keeping.  

• Facilitating trials, performing tissue and soil collection for testing, and conducting experiments as determined by the Plant Health Committee. 

• All other duties assigned and special projects

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ideal candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field. Or a minimum of 5 years experience in nursery scouting or related field. 

•  Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Good computer skills with working knowledge of Google suite of programs, MS Excel, MS Access.

• Must have knowledge of and be able to work directly with or around pesticides/herbicides.  

• Must have knowledge of IPM protocols of pest and disease management. Knowledge of Worker Protection Standards (WPS) and PPE requirements.  

• Must have the ability to compile conventional and paperless scouting reports for supervisory review.  

• Work effectively and quickly under time constraints and exercise good judgment under pressure.

• Able to work in a fast paced environment, and to adjust to change as frequently as needed.Ideal candidate is  proactive, capable of multitasking, troubleshooting, and finding innovative solutions.  

• Able to independently lift objects not to exceed 50 lbs on a regular basis.  

• Able to sit, stand, bend, operate an ATV,  and walk for long periods of time.

• Ability to work extended hours during the day and work on weekends as needed.  

• Ability to work extended hours with exposure to outside climate, including extreme heat and cold conditions.

REQUIRED LICENSES / HOURS OF WORK 

• Private Applicators License Florida a plus

• ISA Certified Arborist or FNGLA Horticulture Professional Certifications a plus.  

• Bi-lingual a plus  

• Valid driver's license and clean MVR required

NOTICE 

CHERRYLAKE, INC. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR REQUIRE ADDITIONAL DUTIES AT ITS DISCRETION.

DFWP, E-Verify & EOE