R&D operations employee

Hazera is a global leader in the vegetable seed industry, bringing expertise, commitment, and support, combined with decades of experience and state-of-the-art technology. Hazera breeds, develops, produces, and markets varieties and seeds in a wide range of vegetable crops worldwide. With headquarters in Israel and The Netherlands, subsidiaries in twelve countries, and an extensive distribution network, Hazera provides services in over a hundred additional markets globally.

About the role

This position supports regional R&D field testing needs by planning, coordinating, and implementing a multi-crop trial program (onion, watermelon, radish, brassicas, tomato, etc.) in close collaboration with growers and dealers. The role ensures the execution of high-quality trials, delivering reliable data for the evaluation and validation of new varieties and supporting breeding advancement decisions. It aligns trial activities with local conditions and market needs while maintaining strong data accuracy and traceability.

As a member of the Global R&D Trial Officer team, reporting directly to the Global Trialing Manager and functionally integrated within the Hazera US team, the position contributes to cross-functional collaboration, innovation, and the competitiveness of the product portfolio. This position will be based in California and requires spending up to 80% of the time in the field, performing hands-on work on outdoor trials. The role covers the Gilroy to Santa Maria area and includes travel to the Pacific Northwest 4 times a year.

Responsibilities

• Prepare a regional R&D field trial operational plan according to Breeding Team annual planning.
• Increase network of growers where to place R&D trials.
• Prepare grower agreements.
• Actively manage all components of the R&D field trial plan, e.g., placement of trials, sowing, planting, etc.
• Follow up visits and regularly update project manager.
• Actively steer on field trial success and quality data, monitor and report on progress.
• Carry out evaluation of trials and support breeding in selections and evaluations.
• Collect data (Phenotyping) according to breeders’ requirements.
• Organize and attend breeders’ visits.
• Report on data collected and results to project manager, providing regular updates and monthly reports.
• Interact with local authorities to get phytosanitary certificates and export permits.
• Interact with nurseries, growers, seed dealers, and laboratories.
• Ensure objectivity, reliability, and data collection and processing.
• Assure safe work conditions and execution.
• Contribute to the further development of a global R&D trial network through engagement and collaborative interaction with colleagues in different regions.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in the vegetable seed business and agronomy; internships, part-time roles, or other practical student work may be considered as qualifying experience for entry-level candidates.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout employment. We do not sponsor employment visas for this position.
• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural science or related field.
• Proven knowledge of field trials operations.
• Ability to identify areas of improvement.
• Expertise in MS Office; strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Proactiveness and autonomy in agenda/travel planning.
• Willingness to travel and work under variable environmental conditions.
• Flexible working hours during growing seasons.
• Professional English (spoken and written); Spanish proficiency is an advantage.
• Valid driver’s license.

Benefits

The rewards of working here: You join an expert team of innovators and creators that collaborate with farmers around the world to sustainably enhance the taste and quality of healthy food. Our goal is to form teams that inspire and learn from each other as they work to elevate our products from seed to table. We recognize our employees as our most valued resource and work to create an atmosphere that is supportive, healthy, and progressive. We promote an environment of wellness and well-being and hybrid schedules when appropriate for the position. It is an important and expanding piece of our local and global mission for Diversity & Inclusion programs and support groups in the corporate world.

Pay

Competitive salary. This position’s range is $72,000 - $78,000. Our total compensation and pay ranges reflect our market pay structures. Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: local geographical market conditions, internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as job-related skills, education, and experience.