About the Opportunity

The R&D Farm and Greenhouse Operations Manager will be responsible for managing R&D farms and ensure quality metrics meet or exceed the 66th percentile of the local district. Greenhouse operations should meet the customer, quality, quantity and delivery dates requirements for plant and seed requests. This role will also develop and maintain a culture of innovation and performance excellence. These goals will require: oversight of the planning, execution and process-improvement of test plot farms and greenhouse facilities for Breeding, Applied Research, and where appropriate, other trials necessary for the commercialization of new genetics; innovation and the development of new technologies for farm and greenhouse operations as well as novel systems for collection of accurate and high-quality data; creation of “showpiece” farm and greenhouse operations that generate interest within Driscoll’s and across the grower community in visiting and learning from these operations.

About the Company

Driscoll's is the leading supplier and marketer of organic and conventional strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries in the world. A fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company, Driscoll’s has built upon the genetic work and innovation of our founders to fulfill our mission to ‘Continually Delight Berry Consumers.’
We utilize traditional plant breeding methods to create plant varieties (genetic breeds) that produce ONLY THE FINEST BERRIES™. This plant material is then patented, cultivated in Driscoll’s nurseries and supplied to our independent farmer partners around the world to grow Driscoll’s brand berries. ??
Driscoll’s company culture is rooted in our mission, values, and commitment to creating a supportive work environment that fosters open and friendly communication, encourages collaboration and team interaction, and provides clear focus and direction. 
At Driscoll’s, we’re committed to Growing Great People. This means that we help our employees learn about and support our overall business strategies. We also provide opportunities for individuals to grow along with the company. Most importantly, Driscoll’s encourages our employees to achieve their career growth and cultivate their personal well-being. For more information about our company, including our Mission and Values, please go to www.driscolls.com.

Responsibilities and Corresponding Capabilities:

Technical

• Strong foundation in production agriculture and agronomic sciences. An understanding of and experience with greenhouse production will be useful.
• Experience with production in both soil and substrate systems is desirable.

Operational

• Experience with planning, operational calendars and development of cross-functional priorities in field and greenhouse settings.
• Execution – ability to plan, organize and execute comprehensive project work.
• Innovation – interested in new technology with an ability to demonstrate such ideas.
• Willingness to look within the company and externally for new ideas and methods.

Managerial

• Ability to work independently and on a team with minimal supervision and manage competing time demands.
• Demonstrated ability, experience and skills necessary to lead and manage a diverse team of permanent employees, seasonal labor and crews.
• Experience with the administrative needs of a farming team including: budget development and management, safety, employee development, training, organizational structure, wages and compensation, and rewards and recognition.
• Capacity and willingness to hear and execute the needs of diverse customers of the farm and greenhouse operations (i.e. breeders, agronomists, plant pathologists, etc.).
• Strong written and oral communication skills in individual and group settings.
• Well organized and process oriented with ability to deliver structure and standard processes.
• Some experience with talent development, mentorship and transition planning.

Strategic

• Sourcing land, negotiating leases and contracts.

Capital planning

• Identify new technologies for demonstrative purposes and for the improvement of test plot and greenhouse performance.
• Identify and secure necessary resources for growth and sustainability.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Greenhouse Management or similar production agriculture discipline, or other degree.
• At least 5 years of experience in the operations and management of production agriculture.
• Must have experience with the management of staff and execution of projects.
• English proficiency is required and Spanish is strongly desirable.
• International experience is beneficial.
• California pesticide applicator’s license.

• Requires lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling equipment and materials up to 50 pounds.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Some travel required, domestic and international.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate farm machinery.
• Internet and Microsoft Office computer experience.
• Valid California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program required.

To Apply, please visit the Careers section of our website at www.driscolls.com and apply to Job # 3049.
Please also include a cover letter that provides a brief overview of your experience as it relates to this role, and why you are interested in Driscoll’s. We appreciate your interest in Driscoll’s.