This role can be located onsite at one of the following locations: Watsonville, CA, Santa Maria, CA OR Oxnard, CA. Responsibilities
• Build and develop AI-enabled technology for research and pest management solutions.
• Lead research programs in pest management and pollination systems to improve berry crop health, productivity, and sustainability.
• Design and execute rigorous field and laboratory experiments, applying strong statistical and analytical methods to generate actionable insights.
• Translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions that can be implemented across commercial berry production systems.
• Mentor and develop research staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture focused on scientific excellence and grower impact.
• Collaborate across Driscoll’s global teams including Farming, Agronomy, Nursery, Production, and R&D to integrate plant health innovations into production systems.
• Communicate research findings clearly to growers, technical partners, and senior leadership.
• Contribute to strategic planning and prioritization within Global Plant Health to reduce enterprise pest pressure and strengthen production resilience.
• Represent Driscoll’s plant health science externally, building partnerships with universities, industry collaborators, and research organizations.
Candidate Profile• Ph.D. in Entomology or a closely related biological discipline.
• 5–10 years of experience conducting applied agricultural research.
• Demonstrated experience leading research personnel and coordinating research programs.
• Strong background in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of complex biological datasets.
• Proven ability to translate scientific findings into practical agricultural recommendations.
• Experience working in collaborative, multidisciplinary research environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with statistical software or modern data analysis tools.
• English required; Spanish preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 40% domestically mainly in California and 10% internationally.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working in berry crops or other high-value specialty crop systems.
• Experience integrating emerging technologies into agricultural research.
• Familiarity with California and international berry production systems.
• PCA and/or Pesticide Applicator license.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships across academia, industry, and grower communities.
• Interest and potential to develop into a scientific leadership role within Global Plant Health.
This role can be located onsite at one of the following locations: Watsonville, CA, Santa Maria, CA OR Oxnard, CA.
Please submit a cover letter with your application submission.
Compensation and Benefits
The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.
Salary Range estimated for the Lead Entomology Scientist: $116,550.00/year to $151,520.00/year
Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week. Other benefits include: 401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP). More detailed information regarding the benefits package will be shared during the application process.
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Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Entomology or a closely related biological discipline
- 5-10 years of experience conducting applied agricultural research
- Demonstrated experience leading research personnel and coordinating research programs
- Strong background in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of complex biological datasets
- Proven ability to translate scientific findings into practical agricultural recommendations
- Experience working in collaborative, multidisciplinary research environments
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with statistical software or modern data analysis tools
What We Do
Driscoll’s is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll’s is passionate about growing great tasting berries. Driscoll’s exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – that means no GMOs. A dedicated team of agronomists, breeders, sensory analysts, plant pathologists and entomologists help grow baby seedlings that are then grown on family farms. Our independent berry growers then work with Mother Nature, using experience and know-how to get the very best out of each strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry plant. Driscoll’s is serious about yummy berries! Driscoll’s is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries ™.
