Research Associate I – Research and Breeding Greenhouse

About the Opportunity

The Greenhouse Research Associate assists in conducting research trials to improve R&D Greenhouse Operations, to lead tissue culture production, and assist in the strawberry germplasm from plant maintenance, propagation, to seed production.
The role is hands on in the greenhouse from trial implementation to setup through data collection and in the lab initiation and producing plantlets. The role requires understanding the greenhouse processes of pollination to seed and seedling production. The candidate may occasionally be involved in experimental design and communicating results to stakeholders if necessary.

 Responsibilities

Trials: 

• Responsible for setup and execution of horticultural trials including creating labels, filling trays, sowing seeds, and performing data collection.  Trials focus on areas such as germination, seed production, greenhouse automation, propagation, etc.
• Assist in the maintenance and renewal of the germplasm, as well as fulfilling propagation requests, and pollinations.
• Lead data collection assist in data summary and trial reports.

Tissue Culture Laboratory:

• Fulfill production demands for the Rubus program while maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
• Adhere to SOPs and effectively setup trials to improve efficiency.
• This individual will guide and direct another employee to complete daily tasks in an efficient timely matter.
• Perform tissue culture initiations and transfers as needed for plantlet production.
• Duties require manual dexterity and ability to perform repetitive tasks.

General Responsibilities:

• Work in collaboration with other greenhouse crew team members.
• Ability to follow instructions and take direction.
• Be a reliable and flexible member of the research group.
• Other duties as assigned.

    Candidate Profile

• A minimum of three years of relevant work experience.
• BS in Horticulture or Agriculture related degree preferable.
• Bilingual English/Spanish required.
• Candidate must be self-motivated and have strong verbal/written communication and the ability to effectively collaborate with others.
• Must have excellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
• The ability to occasionally oversee greenhouse workers
• The ability to successfully work well independently as well as with a diverse cross-cultural team
• Flexible mindset, strong initiative, good judgment, and discretion.
• Analytical skills sufficient to analyze problems and to participate in implementing solutions.
• Must be able to work in a greenhouse, field, and lab setting.
• Intermediate to Advanced Excel skills.  Word, Outlook, and Power Point, proficient.
• California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program.

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 Research Associate I – Research and Breeding Greenhouse role: $53,592.00 to $79,000.00 USD.

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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