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. For more information about our company, including our Mission and Values, please go to www.driscolls.com.

Description

The Applied Research Manager will identify, evaluate and assist with the development and commercialization of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and blueberry production solutions invented at Driscoll or learned from others to produce maximum profits for growers by decreasing fruit waste, increasing yield of delightful fruit for our consumers and customers. It is critical for this position to develop effective relationships with all regional and global stakeholders including: researchers, breeders, growers, production management and other supportive Driscoll staff. Strong and effective communication, both within Driscoll and out to our grower community is paramount.

Under direction of the Regional General Manager and matrix reporting to Global Research, and with the assistance of staff, this position will coordinate test plots and on farm trials and manage the planting of advanced berry selections to assess adaptability and profitability by collecting data of yield, fruit-quality, disease or pest resistance and develop best practices to maximized genetic potential. As part of this process, the Research Manager is responsible to set regional and or global production research priorities and manage the budget and resources necessary to execute the research plan. This position will also be responsible for the effective communication of information and results to all stakeholders and to coordinate with Production Management to commercialize effective production solutions. The Regional Research Manager will also manage the staff that grow and harvest all Driscoll test plots in the Northern District.

Responsibilities

• Management: Manage researchers in the districts and manage the test plot growing and harvesting operations. Manage all budgets for the appropriate cost centers. Communication: Organization of district end-of-season meetings, test plot tours, and field tours to extend and share knowledge. Clearly report results in our Fact Sheets, Best Practices or a summarized format throughout Driscoll’s and to the growers’ community.
• Research: Using the input of all stakeholders, set regional production research priorities. Design test-plot and on-farm trials to achieve prioritized goals. Ensure proper labeling, maintenance of test plots and management of harvest labor to guarantee the quality and accuracy of the data.
• Farming: Grow test plots that support the work of research and breeding departments in the districts. Plots should be at least as good as a grower standard. Walk fields, scout for crop troubles and coordinate with the test-plot manager to implement pest control, irrigation and plant nutrition programs. Maintain and communicate accurate records throughout growing season in response to changes in field and test plots.
• Other: Very close cross-functional work with Product Quality, Production Management, Global Applied Research, Breeding, Growers, and the Nursery will be necessary to get this job done. It will be important to develop and maintain great relationships across all these groups. 
• 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. Perform 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.

Qualifications

• M.S. Degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Physiology or a related field and experience in agricultural or biological research.
• 8 – 10 years progressively responsible experience in research management. Must have experience with research protocols; possess some knowledge of resource usage, plant health and pest pressure assessment, knowledge of soils and agricultural practices.
• Personnel management experience is required as well as the management of data from field plots using computers and the necessary computer applications including statistical analysis, spreadsheets, email, and internet.
• Must be physically able to work in both field and laboratory settings, and be able to lift 30 pounds.
• Regular travel throughout the Region and occasional travel to other regions, both US and abroad, is required.
• Should be detail- and result-oriented, have effective verbal and written skills, 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 fluency preferred.
• 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.

To apply, please visit our website at www.driscolls.com and apply to job #816323. Please send a cover letter with a brief explanation of your relevant experience to this role and why you are interested in working for Driscoll’s.

Thank you for your interest in Driscoll’s.