Production Specialist, Eastern Region

About the Opportunity

The Production Specialist works with growers to solve technical production issues, monitor and collect information on acreage, cultural practices, varieties and yields with an eye towards grower and Driscoll profitability. They will design and execute field trials in grower's fields and act as an Extension Agent to provide growers with updates on recommended production practices. The Production Specialist analyzes field data and independently communicates Driscoll's goals and objectives to the Grower base and compile production information to establish benchmarking reports. They will give advice to growers on advanced production systems in non-controlled and controlled environments to improve the quality and production across berry types. The selected person will collaborate with Applied Research in developing and expanding all new and innovative technical programs and practices across berry types. They will impart the knowledge of our extensive research and development efforts, along with best practices and the latest technology with our partner growers. The Production Specialist will need to have a working knowledge of the plant / soil interaction, basic understanding of crop physiology, soil fertility and plant nutrition, fertigation, pest identification and management and general crop care. In addition, they will need to have the ability to use a system's approach in problem solving.The position will spend a large percentage of time in the field, working directly with growers and ranch managers extending cultural practices and new technologies. This position will also be essential for the commercialization of new cultivars, engaging in extension education and outreach and improving overall grower performance.

About the Opportunity

The Production Specialist works with growers to solve technical production issues, monitor and collect information on acreage, cultural practices, varieties and yields with an eye towards grower and Driscoll profitability. They will design and execute field trials in grower's fields and act as an Extension Agent to provide growers with updates on recommended production practices. The Production Specialist analyzes field data and independently communicates Driscoll's goals and objectives to the Grower base and compile production information to establish benchmarking reports. They will give advice to growers on advanced production systems in non-controlled and controlled environments to improve the quality and production across berry types. The selected person will collaborate with Applied Research in developing and expanding all new and innovative technical programs and practices across berry types. They will impart the knowledge of our extensive research and development efforts, along with best practices and the latest technology with our partner growers. The Production Specialist will need to have a working knowledge of the plant / soil interaction, basic understanding of crop physiology, soil fertility and plant nutrition, fertigation, pest identification and management and general crop care. In addition, they will need to have the ability to use a system's approach in problem solving.The position will spend a large percentage of time in the field, working directly with growers and ranch managers extending cultural practices and new technologies. This position will also be essential for the commercialization of new cultivars, engaging in extension education and outreach and improving overall grower performance.

Responsibilities

• Regularly visit production fields to understand production methods, cycles, and support growers with technical advice
• Monitor, evaluate and improve farming techniques of new cultivars at late stages prior to general farming release
• Documents new achievements and information on Best Management Practices, Production Guides of Commercial Varieties and contributes to other relevant extension documentation like Crop Notes or Driscoll's Production Manuals
• Provide leadership for local agronomy issues
• Identify district farming challenges and opportunities in collaboration with Local Commercialization Team and growers
• Liaises Production Management and Quality Assurance with agronomy support to the growers' network, ensuring the production achievements are aligned with the District Supply Plans and with Driscoll's Quality Standards
• Fosters an environment of knowledge sharing amongst growers and Driscoll's technical network
• Follow Company policies and practices while representing Driscoll's in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, governmental agencies, growers, customers, etc.
• Ensure the security of Driscoll's confidential and proprietary information and materials

This position interfaces with :

• Nursery staff, to provide feedback on the quality, development and harvesting of the plants
• National team production staff, to report on field conditions that may affect the volume or the sale of the fruit
• Growers, to obtain information regarding the technical and cultural management of the crop
• Research staff, to exchange information concerning the varieties and technical management which contribute to improving production and quality
• Internal and external professionals in related fields to network and provide feedback on technological advances, emerging issues, and competitive landscape to partner growers and other internal stakeholders

Candidate Profile

• Bachelors of Science in Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Agronomy or equivalent is required. An advanced degree in related field is preferred
• Experience with extension, field or research work with production crops is desired
• Passion for plants and agronomy is essential
• Some basic knowledge on advanced production systems; production in soil-less culture
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced Internet and Microsoft Office computer experience
• Strong organizational skills with ability to do multiple tasks and solve problems with a sense of urgency with minimal supervision
• Needs to be dependable, reliable, self-starter, and able to work independently as well as a member of a team
• Able to lift 40 pounds, ability to work in field conditions
• Travel to local and regional farms will be required on a daily basis, with occasional longer-distance domestic and international travel
• Florida driver's license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program required
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions required

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 Production Specialist, Eastern Region : $63,500 to $82,500 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.

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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.

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