A. Duda & Sons is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and as part of that celebration it is expanding its commitment to research in order to propel it into the next century. Its Duda Farm Fresh Foods subsidiary is a world leader in celery production, innovation and celery research. Please consider the Assistant Plant Breeder position and whether you would be interested in joining its progressive research effort.

The Assistant Plant Breeder will play a critical role as a team member of a large intricate celery breeding program. This position will provide assistance to the current two celery breeders and will be actively involved with the production, harvest and processing teams in the eastern production region (Florida to Michigan). This position will be responsible for celery research including coordination of trials, evaluation, data collection and data analysis. Research will include a multitude of projects ranging from breeding trials to processing trials.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Coordination of breeding trials including seeding, transplanting, harvest and evaluation ensuring appropriate data collection and entry.
• Responsible for providing project status updates, reviews and evaluation and full reports for all research activities to appropriate individuals
• Willing to travel to other locations/out of state in order to assist in seed operations, become familiar with the larger Duda breeding program, team objectives and meetings.
• Responsible for collection of data for patents and providing assistance in data entry.
• Assist in planning, implementation, evaluation and summarization of production research including sand and organic production in celery.
• Capable of working as a member of a team sharing responsibilities, ideas, inputs and coordinating for a meaningful and thorough outcome.
• Great temperament for working with growers, nurseries and various individuals outside of the company.
• Capable of differentiating information or materials that are confidential and sharing information appropriately within and outside the Duda organization.
• Experience/Knowledge in Microsoft Office.
• Fluent in English, Spanish beneficial.
• Bachelor’s Degree plus five years’ experience with breeding, trialing or relevant responsibilities required.
• Master’s Degree Preferred. Area(s) of study: plant breeding, biology, horticulture, agronomy or related field.
• Other duties as assigned.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to paula.campuzano@duda.com