Technical Grower

Location: Watsonville, California – onsite, full-time role.

About The Opportunity

Driscoll’s operates several research farms that form a critical part of the overall business. The Technical Grower supports the Farm Manager in growing high-quality crops for breeders and other researchers. This role focuses on new technology implementation, irrigation, fertilization, environmental data monitoring, pest and disease management, and operating an advanced irrigation system. Collaborating with over a dozen breeders and researchers to farm their trials is key.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new technologies in the R&D substrate test plot farm.
• Oversee the agronomy of all crops in substrate, working with existing research farm teams to grow crops to best commercial practice.
• Review recipes and implement proper fertility programs for blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
• Gather monthly water and tissue samples to ensure proper nutrient targets are met.
• Manage the implementation of new technologies, including gathering vendor information and leading decision-making for new technology purchases.
• Oversee the operation of complex irrigation systems such as PRIVA and support continuous improvement of these systems.
• Manage a team of technicians by providing guidance on irrigation and fertility decisions, daily/weekly tasks, and long-term planning.
• Ensure correct EC, pH, and fertility are maintained through daily data analysis and irrigation system oversight.
• Communicate weekly with internal customers (breeders, entomologists, plant pathologists, and applied researchers) on fertilization, pest/disease management, and other farming duties.
• Support pest and disease control programs, including scouting and coordinating chemical applications, working directly with the pesticide application supervisor.
• Oversee tractor operations and proper maintenance of tractors and forklifts with the help of the tractor equipment assistant supervisor.
• Follow operating budgets by purchasing, tracking, and coding farming expenses.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of research farms and ensure implementation aligns with plant breeders and applied research.
• Develop, design, and implement high-quality processes and improvements in research farms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Biology, Agricultural Business, or Agriculture with 3+ years of experience in horticulture crops, agronomy, plant physiology, and plant genetics. Will consider 8+ years of strong technical agricultural experience in lieu of a degree.
• Proven ability to manage projects and knowledge of agronomy for horticultural crops from seedling to harvesting.
• Berry production knowledge, including direct experience with soft fruit production, is highly desirable.
• Pesticide Control Advisor (PCA) and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certifications are a plus.
• Experience with research protocols, plant physiology, health and pest pressure assessment, and farming operation agricultural practices.
• Ability to work in field, office, and corporate settings, including performing repetitive physical tasks as necessary.
• Familiarity with tractors, chemical spray equipment, and tasks involving tractors.
• Ability to make fertility and irrigation decisions for berries with minimal guidance.
• Self-starter with hands-on ability to work independently and collaboratively in teams.
• Proficiency with computer programs (Excel, Word, Outlook) and data analysis software.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
• California Driver’s license and ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program required.

Pay

Salary range for the Technical Grower role: $76,810 to $100,000 per year.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week.
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing participation.
• Paid sick time, paid vacation, and paid personal and family care leave.
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Driscoll's

Driscoll’s is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. With over 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers worldwide, Driscoll’s is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful, and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion, and trustworthiness guide our mission to delight consumers. Driscoll’s exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods—no GMOs. From farm to table, we focus on delivering a high-quality, premium berry experience with our supply chain partners. Driscoll’s is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.