JOB SUMMARY: 

Driscoll’s produces the finest berries in the world. Sharing the benefits of our extensive research and development efforts, along with best practices and the latest technology with our partner growers are the key responsibilities of this role. Controlled environment growing for berries is an important technology for the future, and is just one of the opportunities that the Extension Agronomist will have to help our partner growers improve the quality and production of Driscoll’s Berries. As an Extension Agronomist for Driscoll’s you will work directly with Plant Breeding, Nursery, Testplot crew and Production Management to plan and execute various research projects. The position will spend a large percentage of time in the field, working directly with growers and ranch managers extending cultural practices and new technologies. This position will also be essential for the commercialization of new cultivars and improving overall grower performance. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelors of Science in Biology, Agronomy or Horticulture or equivalent is required. A master’s degree is preferred. 
• 1-3 years extension work with production crops is desired. Strawberry farming experience is a plus. 
• Research skills, analytical mind, and statistical data treatment. 
• Passion for plants is essential. 
• Spanish/English skills highly desired, with particular emphasis on reading and writing in a bilingual environment. 
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication and math skills. 
• Advanced Internet and Microsoft Office computer experience. 
• Strong organizational skills with ability to do multiple tasks and solve problems with a sense of urgency with minimal supervision. 
• Needs to be dependable, reliable, Self-starter, and able to work independently as well as a member of a team. 
• Able to lift 40 pounds, ability to work in field conditions. 
• Travel to local and regional farms will be required on a daily basis, with occasional longer distance domestic and international. 
• California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program are also required. 
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions are also required. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Responsible for collecting field data for ranch and variety evaluation. Perform regular visits to field experiments to take observations, and ensure that data collection is complete and accurate, and processes are implemented 
2. Work closely with ranch supervisors and growers at all test plot ranches to determine the proper execution for field experiments and data management. Regularly visit production fields to understand production methods, cycles, and support growers with technical advice. 
3. Monitor, evaluate and improve farming techniques of new cultivars at late stages prior to general farming release, documenting all relevant information and BMPs (Best Management Practices) in Production Guide. 
4. Be a liaison with growers in the implementation of applied research plans for the District. 
5. Identify farming challenges and opportunities, propose and discuss solutions by implementing research projects, coordinating trial execution. 
6. Coordinate the recording of applied research test plot data and field pick plots. 
7. Write research reports and document best production practices, develop a communication and education plan to share findings with growers and key stakeholders. 
8. Regular interaction with key team members and stakeholders. 
9. 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. 
10. Ensure the security of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials 
11. Other duties as assigned* 

*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.

Job reference 788595

Please apply on the company's website at 
http://www.driscolls.com/about/careers/view/15169/788595