Cherry Crop Advisor

Cherry Crop Advisor/Recruiter – Tri-Cities, Washington

Announcement: Seeking an experienced Cherry Fieldman to recruit and support third-party cherry growers for FirstFruits Farms. The primary responsibility of the Cherry Crop Advisor is to provide 3rd party cherry growers with the best growing practices for producing and harvesting high-quality cherries. The position requires interacting with cherry growers. The ideal candidate needs three- to five-years of tree-fruit experience. The position requires strong interpersonal, teamwork, organizational, and communication skills. This is a full-time position. Salary range $80,000 - $100,000. Dependent on experience and qualifications.

Job Description

FirstFruits Farms LLC is one of the largest tree fruit companies in Washington State – growing, packing, and selling over 6 million boxes of apples a year. In addition, FirstFruits grows, packs, and sells sweet cherries. This position is intended to support the company’s fresh cherry program by offering cherry growers with superior fruit-growing services. Position reports to the FirstFruits Farms President.

Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities will work and interact with cherry growers at the orchard level, including:

• Provide a set of orchard practices to cherry growers aimed at producing large, high-quality cherries
• Recruit and retain the best cherry growers from various Washington and Oregon growing districts
• Offer growers a full-service program, advising growers on best practices related to planting, pruning, growing, and harvesting
• Coordinate harvest planning and timing with growers and production team
• During cherry harvest communicate and interact daily with production team about volume and cherry quality
• Prepare crop forecasts, sizing projections and harvest timing to assist growers and the production team
• Required travel to growing regions during critical time periods to meet growers and build grower relationships
• Interact and communicate on a regular basis with growers
• Build positive relations with growers and colleagues
• Off Season Activities: Assisting the FirstFruits Orchard Team with apple harvest activities, winter season pruning, planting projects; and working at times from different orchard locations

Desired Qualifications:

• Any combination of relevant education and/or tree-fruit experience;At least five-years of experience working in tree fruit and leading teams is highly preferred
• Excellent organizational and communication skills – This is a key position requiring a consistent and persistent approach with people
• Ability to set goals and priorities and then work to implement them successfully
• Ability to develop written tracking processes as a communication tool to help measure and promote progress and results
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work as a contributing team member in a team environment
• Willing to develop technical skills related to utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook and other ag-related software applications
• Must have a great personality and attitude and a willingness to step outside of job title
• Must have the ability to adapt and willingness to develop new skills to tackle additional challenges and opportunities

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Benefits and Salary:

• Vacation, Sick Days, and holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, long term disability & life insurance are all available with FirstFruits paying a significant portion of the monthly premium
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
• Onsite medical clinic and daycare
• College scholarship program for family members
• Access to a company vehicle for grower visits with valid driver’s license and a safe driving record
• Annual Incentive Plan bonus tied to company and individual performance
• Salary range $80,000 - $100,000 - Dependent on experience

If you are ready to start your career with the leader in the Washington apple industry, please send us your resume today!

FirstFruits Farms is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• Day shift

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus opportunities

Weekly day range:

• Weekends as needed

Work setting:

• In-person

Work Location: In person