R&D Applied Research Trainee

Driscoll’s • Watsonville, CA

5d

About The Position

About the Opportunity The Trainee Program is a two-year, full-time experience designed for high-potential, early-career professionals—up to three years post–bachelor’s degree and up to three years of work experience—who are interested in building a long-term career at Driscoll’s. The program is open to both internal and external candidates. Through structured rotational assignments and cross-functional exposure, Trainees gain a comprehensive understanding of Driscoll’s business while developing core leadership and functional capabilities. The program blends on-the-job learning with targeted development opportunities, including mentorship, leadership workshops, functional training, and exposure to senior leaders. Throughout the program, trainees work on capstone projects that address real business challenges and opportunities. Upon completion, Trainees are well prepared to transition into roles aligned with business needs and individual strengths, supporting a strong and sustainable pipeline of future leaders for Driscoll’s. The R & D Applied Research Trainee role offers a hands-on opportunity to learn how agricultural research and data driven insights are translated into practical solutions that support farming and production outcomes. In this role, you will gain exposure to applied research, experimental design, and project-based work, contributing to initiatives that support crop performance, production systems, and continuous improvement across the business. You will collaborate with scientists, technical experts, and cross functional partners to understand how research questions are developed, tested, and applied in real world settings. The R & D Applied Research Trainee role is ideal for early career talent interested in agricultural science, research, and data driven problem solving in a purpose driven food business. You will build foundational technical and analytical skills, contribute to meaningful research projects, and gain insight into how research supports growers, supply outcomes, and long-term innovation. We encourage early applications. Applications will be reviewed through April 22, 2026.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in business or a related field required (must be a recent grad, 3 year or less)
• Up to 3 years of work experience post-graduation
• English is required, bilingual a plus
• Open to relocation or travel for rotations
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and not require work authorization sponsorship by our company for this position now or in the future

Nice To Haves

• Masters Degree, a plus
• Strong analytical, communication, interpersonal, and emerging leadership skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Adaptable and effective in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, using sound judgment and data to evaluate options and recommend solutions
• Project management capability, including the ability to work independently, initiate projects, and drive work forward with integrity
• Solid business acumen with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to deliver efficient and effective outcomes
• Prior internship or relevant experience in customer service, sales, production, administrative, or similar roles preferred
• Demonstrated leadership experience through academic, campus, or extracurricular involvement
• Ability to travel up to 20% as needed

Responsibilities

• Participate in Rotational Assignments: Complete 4-5 structured rotations across assigned functions to gain a broad understanding of the business, operations, and leadership practices.
• Execute Day-to-Day Work in Assigned Rotation: Contribute to functional projects and operational work, meeting performance expectations of each rotation while applying learning in real time.
• Support Business Initiatives & Projects: Assist with analysis, planning, and execution of initiatives aligned to business priorities, process improvements, or operational goals.
• Develop Leadership & Professional Skills: Actively engage in training, workshops, coaching, and feedback sessions to build leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Build strong working relationships with peers, managers, and stakeholders across teams and locations; demonstrate effective teamwork and influence.
• Apply Business & Data Insights: Use data, metrics, and business insights to support recommendations, improve processes, and inform decisions with coaching from rotation managers.
• Demonstrate Learning Agility & Adaptability: Quickly learn new roles, tools, and processes; adapt to changing priorities and environments across rotations.
• Capstone Project Ownership: Lead or contribute to a capstone project addressing a real business challenge or opportunity, including research, recommendations, and executive-ready deliverables.
• Seek Feedback & Continuous Improvement: Proactively request feedback, reflect on performance, and apply learnings to improve effectiveness across rotations.

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).
• More detailed information regarding the benefits package, will be shared during the application process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level