Assistant Plant Breeder, Strawberry
Location: Watsonville, California, USA California Berry Cultivars, L.L.C. is an independent and private grower-focused breeding company developing competitive strawberry cultivars. Our mission is to provide superior cultivars to growers in the California, U.S., and, international strawberry industry. We are focused on the rapid development of productive, quality, and disease resistant cultivars that will meet the current and future needs of our commercial customers.
Summary of position:
The Assistant Plant Breeder will work closely with the Project Leader and breeding team to develop world-class strawberry cultivars. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in applied horticulture or a closely related field. Candidates with field breeding experience and applied plant breeding experience are best suited for this position. Experience with berries is a plus.
Responsibilities:
- Manage all aspects of the seedling trial and nursery program, including field plot layout, planting, marking and retention of selections, pest monitoring, and plant harvest.
- Manage disease screening protocols.
- Assist Project Leader in implementing all aspects of the strawberry breeding program, including fruit evaluations and seedling selection.
- Assist Project Leader in data management.
- Management and hiring of all field and general employees.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors or Master’s degree in Horticulture or related field.
- 2 or more years of relevant experience.
- Hands on experience in field trial management and field breeding operations.
- Greenhouse growth experience.
- Ability to organize and coordinate large and complex tasks.
- Strong self-motivation and independent work ethic.
- Professional, assertive, and clear communication skills (verbal and written).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to operate a tractor a plus.
- Current Pesticide Applicator’s License a plus, or ability to obtain license.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus. Working conditions:
- Frequent in state car travel is required with the possibility of some domestic and international plane travel.
- Work under various outdoor climate conditions, including those conditions typically encountered in field work.
- This position will periodically require long hours, including some weekends.
- General familiarity of agricultural implements and machinery.
- Possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
California Berry Cultivars, L.L.C. offers excellent benefits and a competitive salary. Applications: This position will be primarily located in Watsonville, CA with frequent travel to our other locations within CA.
Applications will be collected until March 1st or until a candidate is hired.
If interested, please send cover letter and resume in word or pdf format to Kyle VandenLangenberg: kyle@caberrycultivars.com
California Berry Cultivars, L.L.C. is an equal opportunity employer.
More positions from: California Berry Cultivars, LLC. Posted from January 19, 2015 until March 1, 2015 SeedQuest reference number: 58074 |