Plant Tissue Culture Lab Lead Supervisor, Commercial Program

Driscoll’s • Watsonville, CA

3d • $70,000 - $80,000 • Onsite

About The Position

About the Opportunity The Nursery is a critical component of the Driscoll’s business model, enabling berry production and revenue growth through the propagation of plants for our growers. The Nursery motto is to deliver plants In-Volume, On-Time, On-Grade and Within Cost. The Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory Lead Supervisor for the Commercial Program plays a critical role in supporting the daily operations of Driscoll’s Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory. This position oversees the production of plant tissue cultures by supervising laboratory technicians, coordinating daily workflows, and ensuring adherence to established protocols, quality standards, and laboratory procedures. The Lead Supervisor supports the efficient operation of tissue culture production by monitoring production output, maintaining laboratory organization, and ensuring that resources and equipment are available to meet operational needs. This role also provides technical guidance to laboratory staff, supports training and development of technicians, and helps troubleshoot operational issues related to plant tissue culture production. Working closely with the Laboratory Manager and research staff, the Lead Supervisor ensures laboratory processes are performed consistently and safely while maintaining high standards for plant quality, documentation, and regulatory compliance. Through effective supervision and operational coordination, this role helps ensure reliable plant tissue culture production to support Driscoll’s nursery and research programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Biology, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience.
• The ideal candidate will have 1–3 years of hands‑on experience in plant tissue culture and plant propagation within a laboratory or biological production environment.
• Experience includes plant tissue culture production, use of aseptic and sterile laboratory techniques, contamination prevention, and coordination of laboratory workflows and documentation.
• The role requires advanced proficiency in plant tissue culture and aseptic techniques, including operation of laboratory equipment such as laminar flow hoods, autoclaves, and microscopes, along with intermediate experience troubleshooting tissue culture production issues and maintaining laboratory records.
• Prior experience supervising or leading laboratory technicians (1+ year preferred) is strongly preferred.
• English proficiency is required

Nice To Haves

• Spanish proficiency is preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the plant tissue culture laboratory, ensuring work is completed according to established protocols and production schedules.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of laboratory technicians involved in tissue culture production activities.
• Provide training and technical guidance on plant tissue culture procedures including media preparation, sterile techniques, and plant propagation methods.
• Ensure laboratory protocols, SOPs, and safety procedures are followed consistently by laboratory staff.
• Monitor laboratory production output and workflow efficiency to support production goals and operational priorities.
• Maintain accurate records related to laboratory production, inventory, and documentation requirements.
• Support coordination of laboratory activities with research associates and management to ensure alignment with project timelines.
• Troubleshoot operational issues related to tissue culture processes, laboratory equipment, or production workflows.
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment such as laminar flow hoods, autoclaves, and microscopes.
• Promote a safe laboratory environment by ensuring compliance with safety procedures, biosafety practices, and chemical handling guidelines.
• Delegate tasks to technicians and monitor progress to ensure timely completion of laboratory activities.
• Recommend improvements to laboratory workflows and processes to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Communicate regularly with the Laboratory Manager regarding production progress, operational challenges, and resource needs.

Benefits

• 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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees