MBG Marketing is hiring a Horticulture Technician to join our team in Grand Junction, MI (about 30 miles northwest of Kalamazoo). In this role you will play a key role in supporting applied research, crop production, and grower services within a fast-paced agriculture environment focused on blueberries and specialty crop horticulture. This position works closely with growers and internal teams to monitor crop health, analyze data, and support production decisions that drive yield, quality, and sustainability.
MBG Marketing, also known as Michigan Blueberry Growers, is a leading agriculture cooperative dedicated to marketing and supporting high-quality blueberries grown across North America. With a strong foundation in horticulture, MBG partners with grower-members to deliver premium fruit to global markets while advancing sustainable farming practices and innovative research.
We offer competitive compensation based on experience, medical, dental, and vision insurance including mental health resources, personal and vacation time off, 401(k), bonuses, 529 savings plan, and much more.
What you will be doing:
- Conduct pest scouting and crop monitoring across the Great Lakes production region
- Assist with crop estimates and production forecasting
- Evaluate grower needs related to crop production and pest management
- Identify and assess new technologies to improve production outcomes
- Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, industry representatives, and service providers
- Share knowledge on sustainable farming practices and serve as a resource for horticulture best practices
- Support documentation and updates of grower production data, including GPS field mapping
- Assist in the development of horticultural education and outreach programs
- Conduct grower needs assessments and recommend research initiatives
- Assist with applied research in pest management, plant nutrition, plant physiology, and blueberry variety evaluation
- Monitor crop conditions and provide reports on volume, timing, and quality
- Support the Horticulturist with production reporting, regulatory compliance, and research coordination
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date grower maps and production data
- Utilize data tools to analyze trends and support decision-making
- Perform other responsibilities as assigned by management
This job is for you if you have:
- Bachelor’s degree in an agriculture, horticulture, or related discipline required
- Experience with blueberries production systems, research, or crop management preferred
- Strong ability to work with growers, team members, and industry stakeholders
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Willingness and ability to travel within production regions
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Experience or willingness to learn tools such as Agrian and Power BI
- Strong observational, analytical, and recordkeeping abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- High level of professionalism and confidentiality
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Ability to lift and carry 25 to 50 pounds
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed during peak seasons
