Title: Nursery Manager: Agronomy & Applied Research
Reports to: Nursery Manager, R & D and Foundation
Location: Based in Red Bluff, CA
Classification: Full-time, year-round

Job Summary:
Driscoll Strawberry Associates is the leading producer of fresh berries in the United States and has built its reputation on the quality of its own patented varieties. Driscoll's Nursery department produces all plants used by the company and grows nursery plantings in open field, greenhouse and tissue-culture settings. This position will be based out of Red Bluff, California; and will primarily focus on nursery plantings ranging from the southern border of Oregon to the central valley of California and the central California coast.

This opening is for a Nursery person to provide agronomic support for the entire nursery department, as well as implement and manage applied research trials in the nursery. Responsibilities apply to strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and blackberry nursery plantings as directed by the Nursery Manager, R&D and Foundation. Business travel up to 40% of work time.

Qualifications:
? Bachelor of Science in Agronomy or closely related field, and 5 years pertinent work experience, or Master of Science in Agronomy or closely related field and three years pertinent work experience.
? Training and experience in plant/soil nutrition and diseases. PCA license is a plus.
? Background in farming, or experience in commercial plant propagation.
? Competency with computers, particularly with Excel.
? Training and ability to design experimental plots and gather, summarize, report and analyze data collected.
? Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Spanish is a plus.
? Accuracy, reliability and attention to detail are essential.
? Teamwork skills and strong ability to collaborate effectively on projects.
? Must demonstrate initiative (self-motivated) and be able to manage multiple projects and extensive information.
? Travel is required; must have a valid CA driver license and maintain eligibility for Company vehicle insurance.
? Must be able to work an extended schedule to support operational requirements. Must be able to work in a field setting; able to lift 50 pounds.

Job Responsibilities
This position involves managing agronomic support activities for all Nursery locations. As such, the person hired must have solid training in Agronomy/Crop Science and be very resourceful to investigate, learn and propose solutions to agronomic questions as they arise. This person will also be responsible for managing and tracking applied research trials conducted within the Nursery department.
General responsibilities include:
1. Provide assistance and guidance as needed to nursery personnel to analyze and problem-solve agronomic issues such as nutrition, irrigation, disease identification and control, pest management and soil management.
2. Serve as a resource person for the Nursery department for information regarding soil and plant nutrition analysis, fertilizers, pesticides, water quality, and plant handling practices.
3. Implement and manage pest and disease monitoring of all Nursery fields in collaboration with other Nursery managers and personnel. Maintain records of monitoring and any problems. Coordinate activities with the Research Department, for detection of diseases and developing plant health strategies, including overseeing collection of plant material for disease testing purposes.
4. Work with Research department and Nursery department personnel to conceive and implement applied nursery research trials. Monitor, maintain, collect data and harvest individual nursery trials as needed. Manage and train personnel performing work in nursery trials.
5. Manage, analyze and track all nursery applied research trials, including trials conceived and implemented by other Nursery department staff. Track progress of all trials, including follow-through of performance in fruiting fields and compiling results obtained.
6. Collaborate with and provide support to nursery staff, including the Nursery R&D and Foundation team.
7. Collaborate with and provide support to nursery operations in Mexico and other international locations. Likely to include occasional international travel.
General Job Requirements:
1. Must travel frequently to multiple nursery locations and fruit growing areas. Overnight and extended travel is required at times;
2. Must possess and project positive qualities with respect to communication, patience, confidentiality, adaptability, and organization; work independently and in team environments.
3. Must support and promote the Company's Mission and Values, observe company confidentiality, and represent Driscoll's in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions.