Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc. (dba Driscoll's) is the leading supplier and marketer of organic and non-organic strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries in the world. A third-generation, family-owned and operated company, Driscoll’s has built upon the genetic work and innovation of our founders to fulfill our mission of Continually Delighting Berry Consumers. We utilize traditional plant breeding methods to create varieties that produce the finest quality berries. This plant material is then patented, cultivated in our nurseries and supplied to our independent farmer partners around the world to grow Driscoll’s brand berries.

Driscoll’s is the worldwide berry industry market leader, with the greatest sales revenue and brand recognition in the berry category. As one of the most differentiated brands in produce, Driscoll’s fosters relationships with top retail, wholesale and foodservice operations.
Driscoll’s berries are grown in five continents.

PURPOSE

The District Research Manager will implement experiments in the Oxnard, Baja, and Santa Maria districts to optimize company and grower methods to provide improved profits for Driscoll’s and our growers and provide optimal fruit quality for consumers.

JOB SUMMARY

Under direction of the Research Department Manager, the Research Assistant Manager will coordinate the planning, planting, harvest and the yield and quality data collection for test plots in Oxnard, Baja, and Santa Maria. The District Research Manager is responsible for the quality of the plots and the data we receive from them. In addition, the District Research Manager will be the liaison with growers in their districts to ensure our research is well founded.

QUALIFICATION

Minimum B.S. Degree in Agronomy or Horticulture, and work experience in production research. Must have experience with research protocols, must possess knowledge of plant health and pest pressure assessment, with knowledge of soils and agricultural practices preferred. Must be able to collect data in the field using computers and be proficient with computer applications including spreadsheets, email, and internet. Must be physically able to work in both field and laboratory settings, and be able to lift 30 pounds. Should be detail-oriented and have effective verbal and written skills. Must have good organizational, math and analytical ability. Must be a self-starter, have the ability to work independently and work well with growers, team members, field workers, and management, and be available to work extended hours when requested. Bilingual Spanish-English would be very helpful.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

Research: Assist the Research Department Manager in improving the quality of Driscoll’s fruit in the market by coordinating research studies in areas such as new cultural practices, transportation, and fruit-quality. Conduct on-site supervision of test-plot establishment and harvest, ensure proper labeling and maintenance of test plots and manage harvest labor when necessary, to guarantee the quality and accuracy of the data gathered.

Farming: Walk the fields, scout for crop troubles and coordinate with the test-plot grower to implement pest control, irrigation and plant nutrition programs. Maintain accurate records throughout growing season in response to changes in field and test plots. Complete work including data collection and harvest in a timely and efficient manner.

Other
Cross-functional work with Production, Breeding, and Nursery departments will be necessary to improve internal Driscoll processes that ensure the reliable supply of fruit from growers, increase yields, profits, and quality for Driscoll’s growers in all our crops.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by employees in this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all the job’s responsibilities. At Driscoll’s, all of our jobs include broad responsibilities for continually improving our processes

TO APPLY

If you meet the qualifications listed above, we are interested in hearing from you.
To apply, please go to http://www.driscolls.com/careers.html, select job 1006, and apply online.

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Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located.

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