Applied Research Associate

About the Opportunity

As an Applied Research Associate you will work directly with Northern District Applied Research, Breeding, Agronomy, Production, Plant Health, and Global R&D teams. The position will implement and execute various research trials projects for strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries grown in soil and in substrate, both in conventional and organic production systems.

Responsibilities

• Trial Planning & Execution:
  • Support the Applied Research Manager in proposing and organizing research trials aligned with district strategy.
  • Coordinate trial logistics, including plant ordering, transplanting, treatment applications, and field map accuracy.
  • Ensure trials follow experimental design protocols and best management practices.
• Data & Documentation Management :
  • Maintain accurate and complete trial records using dedicated digital platforms.
  • Prepare and manage documentation for trial setup, data collection, and reporting.
  • Collect and analyze data, identify outliers, and perform preliminary statistical analysis.
• Cross-Team Collaboration :
  • Facilitate communication and coordination between research farms, growers, nursery, and production teams.
  • Participate in joint projects with breeding, agronomy, and production teams within and across districts and business units.
  • Assist in organizing field visits and commercialization evaluation meetings.
• Field Operations & Monitoring :
  • Spend approximately 80% of time in the field overseeing trial execution and scouting for performance and compliance.
  • Lead weekly field walks with research and agronomy teams to monitor trials progress and plan farming activities.
  • Collect soil, water, and tissue samples and collaborate on interpreting results and adjusting cultural practices.
• Reporting & Communication :
  • Generate monthly trial update reports and contribute to final trial reports.
  • Present trial plans and results at grower and internal meetings.
  • Contribute in updating production guides and best management practices documentation.
• Continuous Improvement & Leadership :
  • Promote best practices and continuous improvement in trial execution and data management.
  • Lead seasonal team members and support agronomy and production teams through job shadowing.
  • Uphold company values and ensure confidentiality and ethical conduct in all interactions.

*This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by employees in this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all the job's responsibilities. At Driscoll’s, all of our jobs include broad responsibilities for continually improving the processes we use to develop our products.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor of Science in Plant Sciences, Crop Science, Horticulture, or equivalent is required; Master is preferred.
• 4-6 years of experience in similar positions
• Experience with berries is preferred
• Effective verbal, written, and inter-personal communication skills is required.
• Passion for outdoor work on plants and for the application of research methods in agriculture is essential.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to perform multiple tasks and solve problems with a sense of urgency with minimal supervision is required.
• Microsoft Office Suite and Research Methods and Statistical Analysis experience is required.
• Be dependable, reliable, self-starter, and able to work independently as well as a member of a team is required.
• English fluency in writing, speaking, listening, and reading is required; Spanish fluency is preferred.
• A valid California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program is required.
• Travel to local and regional farms daily will be required, with occasional longer distance travels to domestic and international locations.
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions is required.
• Able to lift 40 pounds and the ability to work in difficult field conditions maintaining safety procedures is required.
• Experience with plant breeding, agronomy and crops production is preferred.

It is expected that the candidate for this position will spend 80% of their time in the field, by working directly with the growers and with the research farm, breeding, agronomy, production, plant health, and global R&D teams. The remaining 20% of their time is expected to be spent at the office for meetings, data analysis and project reporting activities.

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 Applied Research Associate role: $75,300 to $97,890 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.

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.

Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo.

Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro.

Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.