Technical Grower

Driscoll’s•Watsonville, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Driscoll’s operates several research farms which form a critical part of the overall business. The Technical Grower supports the Farm Manager in growing high quality crops for the breeders and other researchers. Responsibilities include all aspects of growing operations for raspberry, blackberry, blueberry substrate test plots for the Watsonville area. The focus of this position will be new technology implementation, irrigation, fertilization, environmental data monitoring, pest & disease management, and running an advanced irrigation system. Collaborating well with over a dozen breeders and researchers in performing the farming of their trials is key to this role.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Biology, Agricultural Business, or Agriculture with 3+ years of experience and a comprehensive understanding of horticulture crops and agronomy, plant physiology and plant genetics. Will consider 8+ years of strong technical agricultural experience in lieu of a degree.
Proven ability to manage projects.
Knowledge of the agronomy of horticultural crops from seedling to harvesting.
Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with other crew members in achieving team goals.
Experience with research protocols; and knowledge of plant physiology, health and pest pressure assessment, knowledge of farming operation agricultural practices.
Ability to work in the field, office and corporate settings, including the ability to perform repetitive physical work as necessary.
Familiarity of tractors, chemical spray equipment and tasks that involve tractors.
Ability to make fertility and irrigation decisions for berries with minimal guidance.
Contribute to the strategic planning of the research farms and ensure implementation of plans in alignment with plant breeders and applied research.
Develop, design, and implement high-quality processes and improvements in research farms and lead the development of new technologies in the breeding research farms.
Self-starter, hands-on, ability to work independently and work well with teams.
Demonstrated proficiency with computer programs (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Data analysis software is a must.
California Driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program required.

Nice To Haves

Berry production knowledge, including direct experience with soft fruit production, would be highly desirable.
Pesticide Control Advisor (PCA) and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) is a plus.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of new technologies in the R&D substrate test plot farm.
Oversee the agronomy of all crops in substrate, working with the existing research farm teams to grow the crops to best commercial practice.
Review recipes and implement proper fertility program for blackberries, raspberries and blueberries.
Gather monthly water samples and tissue samples to guarantee proper nutrient targets are met.
Manage the implementation of new technologies in designated area of focus.
Gather vendor information and lead the decision-making process of selecting a provider of a new technology purchase.
Oversee operation of complex irrigation system such as PRIVA and support continuous improvement of this system.
Manage a team of technicians by giving guidance on irrigation a fertility decision, daily/weekly tasks and long-term planning.
Experience with technical training.
Monthly water samples and tissue samples are crucial to guarantee proper nutrient targets are met.
Ensure correct EC, pH and fertility are maintained in correct ranges through analysis of daily data collection and oversight of irrigation system maintenance.
Communicate weekly with internal customers (breeders, entomologists, plant pathologists, and applied researchers) on fertilization, pest/disease management, and other farming duties.
Support pest and disease control program, including scouting and coordination of chemical applications and working directly with pesticide application supervisor.
Oversee tractor operations and proper maintenance of tractors and forklifts with the help of the tractor equipment assistant supervisor.
Ability to work well with all supervisors and employees at a ranch level.
Follow operating budgets by purchasing, tracking, and coding farming expenses.
Other duties as assigned.