Potato Crop Scout

H. J. Vander Zaag Farms is looking for a Potato Crop Scout for the upcoming growing season! Regular duties would be scouting potato fields weekly. Other duties may involve potato grading and assisting the Potato Quality Manager with other field activities. There is an opportunity to stay on in the fall to assist with soil sampling, harvest grading, and other jobs around the farm. Ideal candidate is someone who is or will be attending a post-secondary program with a focus in agriculture. Apply by email to info@hjvfarms.com with a cover letter and resume. Responsibilities

• Scouting - walking through potato fields looking for insects, weeds, and disease
• Data collection of growth stage, incidence, and severity of disease and pests
• Compiling reports for supervisor, assisting with data entry, and other computer work as required
  • Familiarity with Excel, PowerPoint
• Additional field duties as required by supervisor
  • Field setup, sample collection, yield digs
• Soil sampling
  • Driving ATV through the fields
  • Using soil probe (repetitive pushing/stepping/bending)
• Potato grading
  • Removing unmarketable potatoes & foreign material (i.e. rocks, sticks) from a conveyor belt during harvest or shipping

Qualifications
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to use a cell phone, computer
• Reliable transportation to rural location not accessible by public transportation
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions for long periods of time
• Ability to work at various times (early mornings, weekends) as required
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Working Conditions
• Bending, lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs, digging
• Repetitive tasks
• Exposure to dirt, wildlife, weather, loud noise
• Working in remote locations
• Walking on uneven terrain
• Sitting, standing, walking for long periods of time