About the Opportunity

The Technician II - Rubus Breeding supports the local Raspberry Breeding team in the successful execution of the breeding program in Watsonville. Responsibilities include phenotyping of germplasm and seedling populations in the field for physiological and phytopathological traits, post harvest fruit quality assessments.

In addition, this position will assist in the propagation of selections, testplot logistics, data entry, reports and execution of research projects. In partnership with the local Raspberry Breeding group, the Technician II will be asked to be an active participant of the local group and provide assistance to other raspberry breeding locations.

About the Company

Driscoll's is the leading supplier and marketer of organic and conventional strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries in the world.
A fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company, Driscoll’s has built upon the genetic work and innovation of our founders to fulfill our mission to ‘Continually Delight Berry Consumers.’

We utilize traditional plant breeding methods to create plant varieties (genetic breeds) that produce ONLY THE FINEST BERRIES™. This plant material is then patented, cultivated in Driscoll’s nurseries and supplied to our independent farmer partners around the world to grow Driscoll’s brand berries. 



Driscoll’s company culture is rooted in our mission, values, and commitment to creating a supportive work environment that fosters open and friendly communication, encourages collaboration and team interaction, and provides clear focus and direction. 



At Driscoll’s, we’re committed to Growing Great People. This means that we help our employees learn about and support our overall business strategies. We also provide opportunities for individuals to grow along with the company. Most importantly, Driscoll’s encourages our employees to achieve their career growth and cultivate their personal well-being. For more information about our company, including our Mission and Values, please go to www.driscolls.com.

Responsibilities

• Ensures the confidentiality of Driscoll’s financial, proprietary and employee information.
• Represents Driscoll’s in a manner that demonstrates Driscoll’s Mission and Values in all interactions internally and externally.
• Performs other duties as instructed.
• 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 the processes we use to develop our products.

Breeding:

• Responsible for phenotyping of germplasm, testplot or seedling populations in the field and/or laboratory as directed by Research Associate or Principle Scientist.
• Responsible for the phenotyping of germplasm or seedling populations in post-harvest lab.
• Operation of instruments to measure fruit quality and physiological traits.
• Responsible for accurate and timely entry of phenotypic data in database.
• Preparation of phenotyping reports.
• Provide input to other departments including Phytopathology and Molecular Biology.
• Assistance in the propagation of breeding material directed by Research Associate.
• Assist in testplot logistics: Mapping, labeling, database proofreading.
• Assist in locally made hybridizations.
• Assist in patent data collection.
• Preparation of fruit samples for experiments.
• Data entry into database.
• Act as a team member for the Raspberry Breeding Group. Consult and provide input to other colleagues.

Testplot:

• Assist in planting and harvesting of raspberry seedlings and testplot.
• Support field days for growers and colleagues as directed.

Qualifications

• Associate of Applied Science Degree in horticulture or an agriculture-related area of emphasis required, Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in Plant Breeding, Phenotyping and Horticulture is a plus.
• Candidates must be disciplined, self motivated.
• Good verbal/written communication in English and the ability to effectively collaborate with others.
• Must be able to maintain a valid CA Driver’s License with the ability to be insured under company sponsored liability coverage.
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions.
• Must be able to work in a field setting, as well as office environment as needed.
• Experience with database management, Excel and statistical software is desirable.
• Some travel to Oxnard/Baja or other locations may be required.

To apply

Please apply via our website to job 1742 at http://www.driscolls.com/about/careers#careersjump 
and also send resume in Word or PDF to Cassandra.carvajal@driscolls.com