• Oversee the agronomy of all crops, in substrate systems, working with the existing research farm teams to grow the crops to best commercial practice.
• Design and implement systems to efficiently manage labour and equipment
• Develop and implement sustainable research farm systems to deliver high quality data for both plant breeding and applied research trials so they can accurately guide commercial decisions.
• Lead and empower the team and improve the overall technical knowledge of the research farm staff and strengthen the knowledge base of the research farm teams. Mentor and onboard new research farm staff and foster development and collaboration.
• Ensure the research farms operate within the approved budgetary targets by managing and monitoring expenditures accordingly, including larger capital purchases.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of the research farms and ensure implementation of plans in alignment with plant breeders and applied research.
• Collaboration between the testplot sites network with process improvement and standardization.
• Develop, design and implement high-quality processes and improvements in research farms and lead the development of new technologies in the breeding research farms.
• Oversee the team’s pest and disease scouting and management. Ensure weed management with a clean and organized area.
• Accountable for equipment maintenance and worker safety.
• Manage Technical Grower and Test Plot Lead Supervisors.
• Manage land leases and landlord relationships.
• Develop land plans and rotations with breeders.
• Responsible for reviewing/approving all administrative paperwork for the farm crews in regard to payroll, training, evaluations, promotions and terminations.
• Follow Company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, governmental agencies, growers, customers, etc.
• Ensure the security of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Bachelor’s degree (with at least 8 years of experience) or a Master’s degree (with at least 5 years of experience) in Agronomy, Horticulture, Biology, Biochemistry or Agriculture, with comprehensive understanding of horticulture crops and agronomy, plant physiology and plant genetics.
• Experience with berry crops required.
• Significant experience of managing complex horticultural sites involving large teams of full-time and seasonal staff.
• Project management and process improvement experience.
• Plan and manage budgets and prioritizing expenditure within set guidelines.
• Knowledge of the agronomy of horticultural crops from seedling to harvesting.
• Berry production knowledge including direct experience with soft fruit production would be highly desirable.
• Practical experience of farming practices including equipment operation and management, irrigation management, and pest control.
• Feel comfortable working in field, office and corporate settings, and able and willing to perform hard, repetitive physical work as necessary.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program are also required.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Open attitude to try new systems and new technologies in farming.
• Collaborative attitude towards breeding, entomology, and applied research customers, with the highest level of service.
• Travel requirements: Weekly local travel between Central Valley and the Watsonville coastal area (up to 50%), with regional and international travel to other farming locations (up to 20%).
Compensation & 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 R&D Test Plot Manager role: $87,522.00/year to $130,000.00/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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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 ™.
