About the Opportunity

The Northern District Strawberry Breeder will lead Driscoll’s strawberry breeding program focused primarily on the main strawberry production regions of Watsonville and Salinas California using both traditional as genomic-based methods. As part of their role, they will work as integral part of a local team supporting Driscoll’s operations in the Northern District of California. In addition to commercial cultivar development, this role must develop and curate germplasm for the breeding process as well as develop traits that can enhance the germplasm and cultivars that differentiate Driscoll’s from the competition and provide economic value to growers and customers, while delighting consumers. This role will collaborate with researchers in California, Mexico, Europe and Australia. The position reports to Global Strawberry Breeding Director, based in California.

Responsibilities

•    Develop strawberry cultivars for Driscoll’s Northern District growing operations primarily in Watsonville and Salinas, California using both traditional and genomic-based methods
•    Develop hybridization scheme for the Northern District strawberry breeding program, including the application of genomic data and trait marker information for cross design and parent and seedling selection
•    Conduct and oversee independent field and laboratory evaluations of hybrid seedlings and selections to improve key horticultural traits with climate resilience
•    Make selection and advancement decisions within the strawberry breeding program
•    Design and establish experimental test plots related to strawberry variety development and host resistance
•    Manage host resistance trials for strawberry in both the field and laboratory, working in collaboration with the staff of the Host Resistance department
•    Work collaboratively with staff from Breeding and Research departments and representatives of the grower community to design, install and maintain field trials at the test plots in the Northern District. Determine the space requirements and work with local grower community to find host sites for test plots
•    Collect, analyze and report results to peers and growers on a regular basis though field tours and formal meetings
•    Supervise a research associate and occasional seasonal staff supporting the breeding program
•    Collaborate with Global Breeding Director and Molecular Breeder, along with the staff of the Breeding Technology department, to develop and validate molecular markers
•    Collect and transmit field data on a timely basis to plant breeding and research personnel at Cassin Ranch in Watsonville, California through the common breeding database
•    Communicate and work closely with Driscoll’s Production staff at various locations
•    Work as a part of the Northern District regional team, by assisting with grower-related issues and collaborating with the Northern District Applied Research Manager to perform research into cultural techniques, including providing support for execution of experiments in the test plot
•    Lead the local commercialization team which includes district applied research and production personnel, to facilitate the successful introduction and commercialization of new varieties in the Northern District of California through the development of awareness of promising genetics, publishing of useful production guides, and the effective execution of on-farm trials
•    Assist other breeding and research efforts by performing and overseeing post-transit evaluations of strawberry fruit samples
•    Occasionally travel to other regions, including but not limited to, California, Mexico, Morocco, and Australia, and China to assist in the establishment and evaluation of research trials and production in these locations
•    Act as liaison between growers and Plant Health personnel by relaying problems to appropriate Research Department personnel and assisting in sample collection and shipping
•    Exhibit Driscoll’s values of passion, humility and trustworthiness in all interactions
•    Works well in a team environment by supporting fairness, a strong work ethic, accountability to the team and leading by examples. Utilize team building and communication skills to create strong department and company alignment
•    Follow company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, government agencies, growers, etc.
•    Ensure the safekeeping of propriety varieties and confidential information
•    Maintain a safe and professional office and other work-related areas. Maintain the overall appearance, housekeeping, and safety of the Research farm
•    Perform other duties as directed by supervisor

Candidate Profile

•    Ph.D. or equivalent in Plant Breeding, or related plant science such as Horticulture, Agronomy or Plant Pathology with a focus on Plant Breeding. A related master’s degree or equivalent with at least 5-years of experience will also be considered
•    Commercial breeding experience preferred but not required
•    Expert knowledge and skill with genomic plant breeding approaches and the ability to evaluate, prioritize and communicate the use of these methods to staff, colleagues and supervisors
•    Expert data management and analytic skills for scientific project work
•    Spanish language skills beneficial, but not required
•    Experience with people management is strongly preferred but not required
•    The skills to effectively manage staff is required

Preferred Qualifications
•    Understands the drivers of grower economics with the ability to incorporate this knowledge into breeding plans and decisions 
•    Valid California driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one
•    Good verbal and written communication skills, self-starter, hands-on, able to lift 50 pounds on an intermittent basis

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 Northern District Strawberry Breeder: $91,700 to $117,600 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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About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.

Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

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Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo.

Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro.

Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.