Company: Terviva Private LimitedJob Title: Tree Technical Services Manager, AustraliaReports to: VP of Tree R&DLocation: Queensland, Australia (preferred: Emerald, Moranbah, Mackay, or Rockhampton)About us:Terviva is a fast-growing food and agriculture company, headquartered in Alameda, California, with operations in the USA (Florida, Hawaii), India, and Australia. Terviva partners with farmers and communities around the world to harvest and grow pongamia, a regenerative, permanent tree crop historically used in Asia for landscape plantings, agroforestry and reforestation. As an indigenous crop, pongamia provides shade, medicinal remedies, vegetable oil, soil amendments and other products. Dubbed a "super tree," pongamia requires minimal water input and naturally resists pests due to its innate bitter compounds. Terviva has planted proprietary varieties of pongamia trees on over 1,500 acres in Florida and Hawaii to validate agronomic performance and we are expanding operations in Australia and India. And after more than a decade of innovation, Terviva has discovered a way to remove pongamia's bitter compounds and transform pongamia beans into nutritious and sustainable food ingredients called Ponova. With a diverse product portfolio including food and fuel, farmers can supply multiple market segments as opportunities develop.Overall Job PurposeWe are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Services Manager to oversee our Pongamia field trials located in Central Queensland. The purpose of this position is to integrate field management and research data to derive actionable insights into Pongamia crop development. Key activities include contractor management of orchard caretaking, contractor management of research treatments (e.g. fertilizer applications), and data collection of tree response. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in horticulture and a proven track record of successfully managing field contractors. This role falls within Terviva's Trees and Impact Group, led by the Chief Commercialization Officer (CCO), who oversees and facilitates global activities. This role reports to the Vice President of Tree R&D. These administrative relationships will facilitate strong technical and commercial ties to Terviva's Florida-based Tree Operations, as well as other global units.RequirementsROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIESContractor Management:Selection and Onboarding:Assist in the selection process for irrigation maintenance, orchard activities (pruning, spraying, harvesting, etc.), and other necessary contractorsManage contracts, ensuring clear scopes of work, performance metrics, and safety protocolsOnboard contractors, providing necessary site information, access permissions, and facilitating safety training (safety specialist will be provided by accredited third party)Supervision and Coordination:Schedule and coordinate contractor activities to align with orchard needs and seasonal requirementsMonitor contractor performance against agreed-upon standards, addressing any deviations or issues promptlyConduct regular site visits to inspect work quality and ensure adherence to safety regulationsServe as the primary point of contact for contractors, facilitating communication and resolving any conflictsReview invoices from contractors and ensure that the work completed matches the billingQuality Assurance:Implement quality control procedures to ensure contractor work meets established standardsConduct regular inspections and audits of contractor activitiesDocument any deficiencies and work with contractors to implement corrective actionsData Collection, Analysis and Communication:Data Collection and Recording:Collect field data on a regular basis, following established Terviva protocolsMaintain accurate and organized records of all collected dataData Analysis and Reporting:Complete high-level analysis of collected data to identify trends, patterns, and potential issues.Compare data to predetermined growth and productivity targets, and report any discrepanciesShare data with internal R&D colleagues and/or research partners (e.g. Universities), who will lead a more detailed analysis and writing of reportsData Driven Decisions:Use the data to inform decisions related to irrigation scheduling, fertilization, pest control, and other orchard management practicesCommunication of information:In a clear and compelling manner, communicate research findings to diverse stakeholders, including investors, operators, landowners, and end-product users, ensuring alignment and understanding of key management practicesGeneral Orchard Oversight:Site Inspections:Conduct regular site inspections to assess orchard health and identify any potential issues (e.g., pests, diseases, irrigation problems)Document observations and report any concerns to relevant partiesEquipment and Infrastructure Maintenance:Monitor the condition of orchard infrastructure, including irrigation systems, fences, and access roadsReport any maintenance needs to the appropriate contractors or personnelSafety and Compliance:Implement and maintain a safe working environment for contractors and personnelMaintain proper records of safety inspections and trainingRecord Keeping:Maintain detailed records of all orchard activities, including contractor work, data collection, and site inspectionsOrganize and manage all relevant documentation, including contracts, permits, and reportsPERSON SPECIFICATIONRequired skills & qualifications:Authorization to work in Australia without Visa supportCertificate III or IV, or preferably Diploma in Horticulture/Agriculture, coupled with appropriate professional experience (10+ years). Comparable experience in a related field (e.g. forestry) will also be considered.Strong understanding of orchard management principlesExperience (5+ years) in contractor management and supervisionProficiency in data collection and preliminary analysisExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamStrong organizational and time management skillsAbility and availability to travel to remote locations to manage and complete project activitiesSalary & Benefits:The opportunity to make an impact in a fast-growing, mission-driven companyCompetitive annual salary commensurate with role and experiencePotential annual bonusStock options commensurate with role and experienceCell phone stipendVehicleWorking at Terviva offers you:The opportunity to make an impact in a fast-growing mission-driven late stage start-up that believes in sustainability, equity and care for our environment and our communitiesCompetitive salary and benefits commensurate with experiencePotential to earn annual bonus, stock options, commensurate with role and experienceMedical and life insurance benefitsNext Steps:To apply, please respond to the company position below by submitting an enclosed Job Application Form. Please include your resume and a cover letter telling us about yourself, your experience and why you are well suited for this job with Terviva. Terviva is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status and sexual orientation or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Our leadership team is dedicated to this policy and all employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.
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