Subtropical Plant Breeder

About the Opportunity

The Subtropical Plant Breeder will lead Driscoll’s strawberry breeding program in Florida and oversee host resistance work in both strawberries and blueberries.

They will work as part of a team supporting Driscoll’s operations in the Southeastern United States and subtropical regions worldwide.

This role will collaborate with researchers in California, Mexico, Europe and Australia. The position reports to Global Strawberry Breeding Director, based in California.

Responsibilities

• Develop strawberry cultivars for Driscoll’s subtropical growing operations in Florida, Mexico, Australia, Morocco, and other locations
• Develop hybridization scheme for Florida strawberry breeding program, including the application of genomic data and trait marker information for cross design and parent and seedling selection
• Oversee evaluation and deployment of blueberry selections in the southeastern U.S.
• Conduct and oversee independent evaluations of hybrid seedlings and selections for horticultural characteristics, encompassing field ratings, yield, shelf life, and flavor in strawberries and, to a smaller extent, in blueberries
• 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 and blueberry 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 southeastern U.

S. Determines the space requirements and work with local grower community to find host sites for test plots

• Occasionally travel to locations throughout the southeastern U.S. to assist in the establishment and evaluation of test plots and production in these sites
• Collect, analyze and report results to peers and growers on a regular basis though field tours and formal meetings
• Supervise two research associates and occasional seasonal staff supporting the breeding program
• Collaborate with Global Breeding Directors and Molecular Breeders in Strawberry and Blueberry, along with the staff of the Molecular Biology department, to develop and validate molecular markers
• Collect and transmit field data on a timely basis to plant breeding and research personnel in Watsonville through the common breeding database
• Communicate and work closely with Driscoll’s Production staff at various locations
• Work as a part of the Eastern Region team, by assisting with grower-related issues and collaborating with the East Coast Applied Research Manager to perform research into cultural techniques, including providing support for execution of experiments in the test plot
• Lead the local commercialization team which includes district applied research and production personnel, to facilitate the successful introduction and commercialization of new varieties in the Southeastern United States through the development of awareness of promising genetics, publishing of useful production guides, and the effective execution of on-farm trials
• Assist other breeding and research efforts by performing and overseeing post-transit evaluations of blueberry, blackberry, raspberry and strawberry fruit samples
• Occasionally travel to other regions, including but not limited to, California, Mexico, Morocco, and Australia, to assist in the establishment and evaluation of research trials and production in these locations
• Act as liaison between growers and Plant Health personnel by relaying problems to appropriate Research Department personnel and assisting in sample collection and shipping
• Exhibit Driscoll’s values of passion, humility and trustworthiness in all interactions
• Works well in a team environment by supporting fairness, a strong work ethic, accountability to the team and leading by examples.

Utilize team building and communication skills to create strong department and company alignment

• Follow company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, government agencies, growers, etc.
• Ensure the safekeeping of propriety varieties and confidential information
• Maintain a safe and professional office and other work-related areas. Maintain the overall appearance, housekeeping, and safety of the Research farm
• Perform other duties as directed by supervisor

Candidate Profile

Ph.D. or equivalent in Plant Breeding, or a related plant science such as Horticulture or Agronomy with a focus on Plant Breeding.

A related Master’s degree or equivalent, accompanied by significant appropriate experience, will also be considered

• Good verbal and written communication skills, self-starter, hands-on, able to lift 50 pounds on an intermittent basis
• Valid Florida driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one
• Spanish language skills a plus

Compensation & Benefits :

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted.

The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.

Salary Range estimated for the Subtropical Plant Breeder : $82,530 to $105,840 USD.

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.