Strawberry Breeder, Northern District California

Driscoll's • Watsonville, CA

399d • $91,700 - $117,600

About The Position

The Northern District Strawberry Breeder will lead Driscoll's strawberry breeding program, focusing on the main production regions of Watsonville and Salinas, California. This role involves developing commercial cultivars and curating germplasm using both traditional and genomic methods. The breeder will collaborate with researchers across various regions and work closely with local teams to enhance the breeding process, ensuring the development of traits that provide economic value to growers and delight consumers.

Requirements

• 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
• Expert knowledge and skill with genomic plant breeding approaches
• Expert data management and analytic skills for scientific project work
• The skills to effectively manage staff is required

Nice To Haves

• Commercial breeding experience preferred but not required
• Spanish language skills beneficial, but not required
• Experience with people management is strongly preferred but not required
• 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

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
• Collect, analyze and report results to peers and growers on a regular basis through 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, assisting with grower-related issues and collaborating with the Northern District Applied Research Manager
• Lead the local commercialization team to facilitate the successful introduction and commercialization of new varieties in the Northern District of California
• Assist other breeding and research efforts by performing and overseeing post-transit evaluations of strawberry fruit samples
• Occasionally travel to other regions to assist in the establishment and evaluation of research trials and production
• Act as liaison between growers and Plant Health personnel
• Exhibit Driscoll's values of passion, humility and trustworthiness in all interactions
• Work well in a team environment by supporting fairness, a strong work ethic, and accountability to the team
• Follow company policies and practices while representing Driscoll's in an ethical and business-like manner
• Ensure the safekeeping of proprietary varieties and confidential information
• Maintain a safe and professional office and other work-related areas
• Perform other duties as directed by supervisor

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week
• 401(k) with employer match
• Profit-sharing participation
• Paid sick time
• Paid vacation
• Paid personal and family care leave
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees