Lead Supervisor

About the Opportunity

The Lead Supervisor role will be responsible for the test plot crew, managing operations in the test plot and coordination of harvest evaluation of Driscoll’s proprietary plant varieties according to globally established protocols. This position will provide support for our Breeding and Applied Research teams in collecting data required by Breeders and their teams.
Individual will be asked to work 40 hours per week and have a flexible attitude to work hours due to the seasonal nature of the crops. In high season late work and/or weekend work on rotational basis can be required.

 Responsibilities

•  Manage permanent employees and seasonal workers
•  Assist in the recruitment, management, and onboarding of seasonal staff
•  Motivate staff and ensure work is conducted to the right standards
•  Carry out training of seasonal staff as per written global protocols on harvest evaluation
•  Ensure field staff have adequate resources and training to perform their duties and be responsible for ordering supplies as necessary
•  Ensure that schedule for staff optimizes productivity and workflow
•  Maintain the timesheets for seasonal staff and communicate any overtime to relevant parties
•  Coordinate and collaborate the harvest operation with Test Plot Manager and Technical grower
•  Plan and manage practical tasks within the harvest operation including but not limited to daily labor requirements, setting up weekend rotation
•  Support Test Plot operations including pruning, tunnel setting, administrative tasks, data collection, label printing
•  Maintain updates on globally established protocols for yield collection and grading
•  Ensure all collected internal database records are error free and all collected data is present
•  Ensure that all updates of the database are done on time as required
•  Develop written Standard Operating Procedures for all test plot, harvest and data collection activities
•  Arrange representative shelf life, brix, sensory and customer samples are prepared/delivered/ on time
•  Ensure checks and regular calibration of staff to make sure that the fruit is being handled properly according to correct protocols
•  Provide support with visiting customers, growers and visitors
•  Ensure that all necessary equipment is in good condition, serviced/calibrated and available for staff to perform their duties
•  Collaborate and support post-harvest breeding department activities as necessary
•  Any other duties as assigned by Test Plot Manager or Technical Grower

    Candidate Profile

·  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent 
·  Minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in Horticulture; preferably in berries
·  Excellent written and communication skills
·  Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office
·  Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications & Leadership Skills

·  Be a team player, having an open-minded and flexible attitude, responding positively to different opinions and changing priorities within the harvest operation
·  The ability to follow instructions, pay close attention to detail
·  Good communication and problem-solving skills
·  Have good organizational skills and be able to multi-task
·  Excellent record keeping skills
·  Commitment to safety and teamwork in workplace
·  Strong initiative and accountability to deliver against projected goals
·  Interpersonal skills required to work and manage multinational team
·  Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions

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 Field Supervisor: $72,400.00/year to $95,000.00/year.

Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that varies between our locations. Benefits may include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week (US). Other benefits may 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 based on your geographic location, will be shared during the application process.

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