Agronomy Managers (Oxnard, CA)

Reiter Affiliated Companies•Oxnard, CA

2d•$205,573 - $245,000

About The Position

Conduct scientific research and study agronomic performance data to improve the productivity and sustainability of crops. Research and analyze alternative soil treatments and substrates to improve crop productivity. Develop and implement integrated programs to improve crop resilience and sustainability through regenerative agriculture, precision fertigation, and salinity adaptation. Research soil health solutions and validate emerging ag-tech tools, including biostimulants and digital platforms. Support expansion efforts with environmental adaptability studies and guide integrated pest management (IPM) strategies using organic and biological methods. May perform additional duties that are similar and consistent with stated position requirements. Reiter Affiliated Companies (RAC) is the largest fresh multi-berry producer in the world, growing Driscoll’s proprietary varieties of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries year-round in the United States, Canada, Baja California, Central Mexico, Portugal, Morocco, Canada and Peru. We are relentless in our pursuit to bring the highest quality berries that “delight” consumers around the world –from our farms to their families. This starts with our company values of Honesty, Fairness and Respect which not only line the corridors of every office, they are principles that are alive, guiding and leading our business decisions and strategic direction. We place the highest priority and focus on our people, developing their professional growth, and investing in the fulfillment of their personal career journey. These fundamentals have allowed us to achieve an industry leadership position, helping us to adopt health and wellness programs, open primary health clinics for our employees, and partner with local non-profit organizations to improve the quality of life for our farm working families. We hope to continue the Reiter Family legacy of farming through the pursuit of our mission and by living our values.

Requirements

Qualified candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree (or a foreign degree that is equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree) in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, or closely related field plus thereafter 9 years of progressively responsible experience.
Of the required experience, must have 3 years of experience in each of the following:
Soilless agriculture using coconut substrate to manage nutrient solutions and control feeding and growth
Using microbiology in soil to regenerate the microbial habitat and biochemical processes that increase agricultural productivity
Organic and conventional management for the production of long canes in hydroponics
Integrated pest and disease management protocols using entomopathogenic fungi and natural parasitoids
Interpreting soil moisture, tissue, and nutrient solution factors to enhance crop development and yields
Managing a team of two or more agricultural professionals
Implementing regenerative agriculture strategies using all of the following indicators: CO₂ respiration, carbon sequestration, microbial activity, nutrient density, and fruit phytochemical content
Using all of the following remote and in-field monitoring tools: chlorophyll meters, ion-selective sensors, VPD analysis, and digital irrigation diagnostics
Conducting climatic and edaphic assessments to support varietal adaptability and expansion of production zones
Requires Bilingual Spanish/English.
Domestic and international travel to various locations required up to 30% to meet business needs.

Responsibilities

Conduct scientific research and study agronomic performance data to improve the productivity and sustainability of crops.
Research and analyze alternative soil treatments and substrates to improve crop productivity.
Develop and implement integrated programs to improve crop resilience and sustainability through regenerative agriculture, precision fertigation, and salinity adaptation.
Research soil health solutions and validate emerging ag-tech tools, including biostimulants and digital platforms.
Support expansion efforts with environmental adaptability studies and guide integrated pest management (IPM) strategies using organic and biological methods.
May perform additional duties that are similar and consistent with stated position requirements.