Burlington Berries is a family-owned, and professional managed soft fruit farm located in Cressy Tasmania. We produce fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries under contract to Driscolls Australia. We employ the latest technologies and production skills combined with an on farm processing facility. We harvest fruit from October to May. With our planned expansion to a second site we are seeking a Horticultural Grower to join our dynamic and supportive team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- The day-to-day management of the 70ha protected cropping farm
- Creating a strong and sustainable team covering all the key areas of operations
- Delivering the strategic plan and budget
Main Responsibilities to include but not be limited to:
• Develop a 5year production plan to optimise market opportunities
• Oversee the day-to-day management of the business
• Implement the soft fruit plan as agreed by the board
• Select, recruit, and develop a team as per the organisation chart
• Train and develop key managers and supervisors
• Manage the procuring of nursery stock from Driscolls
• Manage the key areas of crop production including cultivation, fertigation, pest and disease management, and plant husbandry
• Manage the cropping plan including growing harvesting and delivering the crop
• Drive productivity and focus on cost efficiencies in all areas.
• Manage the annual cropping plan and report actual to budget while working withing the framework
• Manage the procurement of, and budget for, capital purchases
• Be responsible for compliance to food safety and production protocols
• Manage the quality assurance programmes
• Report in line with board guidelines.
• Communicate with key stakeholders including suppliers and customers
• Invest in environmental, social and corporate governance as part of the strategic plan for the company including risks associated with climate change
• Ensure the farm property and surrounding estate is managed to agreed sustainability targets and outcomes
• Ensure a safe and inclusive working environment focusing on equal opportunities
• Identify risks within the business and develop appropriate strategies
• Manage the WH&S program including risk analysis, policies, and procedures
• Report regularly on WH&S issues
Relevant Qualification:
Experience in business management, intensive horticulture, soft fruit production, WH&S and financial reporting.
The successful candidate will:
- Have experience in business management
- Have experience in managing a team
- Have financial reporting ability and working within a budget.
- Have knowledge of intensive soft fruit production
- Have knowledge of in agronomy, fertigation, harvest and non harvest operations
- Enjoy being part of a close and hard working team
Culture and benefits
Burlington Berries offer an inclusive and positive work environment. The Horticultural Grower is a challenging and fulfilling roll requiring flexibility and a focus on team management. We offer a competitive salary to the right candidate based on experience. We are passionate about what we do and we truly value our people.
To apply, please email your cover letter, resume and references to employ@burlingtonberries.com.au with the title Horticultural Grower in the email subject line.