Senior Agronomist

About the Opportunity

Share the benefits of our extensive research and development efforts, along with best management practices and the latest technology with our partner growers are the key responsibilities of this role. As senior agronomist you will be responsible for supporting our growers around growing practices and crop production systems with our genetics, deploying technical solutions that aim to improve performance, efficiency and sustainability of our growers’ systems, aligned with the local, regional and global strategic plan and initiatives.
This position will spend a large percentage of time in the field, working directly with growers and field managers deploying cultural practices with our genetics and new technologies on a project-based approach, documenting progresses and leading and organizing growers facing extension initiatives like grower field tours, grower meetings and trainings, fostering an environment of knowledge sharing amongst growers and Driscoll’s technical network.

 Responsibilities

• Regularly visit production fields to provide technical support to our growers around growing practices, crop production systems, IPM and plant nutrition with our genetics, understanding the different crops production methods and cycles, providing an adaptive technical support service to our growers.
• Facilitate the deployment of new and innovative technics, cultural practices and new genetics, previously developed and/or optimized by AR, within our grower base, on a project-based fashion, aiming to improve our grower’s performance (yield and quality), efficiency and sustainability.
• Document and report on the progress of the deployment projects and initiatives.
• Document new achievements and information on Best Management Practices and Production Guides of commercial varieties, also contributing to other relevant extension documentation.
• Lead the organization of grower facing extension initiatives, like grower field tours, grower meetings and trainings, fostering an environment of knowledge sharing amongst growers and the Driscoll’s technical network.
• Coordinate with nursery team to ensure a consistent follow up on plant quality and quantity from our own nurseries and third parties, as well as follow up on the technical assessment of plant claims at the grower level after arrival.
• Troubleshoot emerging agronomic problems, challenging growers, identifying district farming challenges and opportunities in collaboration with the local AR and production teams and growers.
• Feed and support applied research and R&D teams with the needed information, to support and answer to the business and growers needs.
• Participates in the assessment of new technologies and growing practices that can highly influence Driscoll’s growing operations.
• Support the onboarding and training of less experienced team members through mentorship, guidance and advice and as a source of information.
• Ensures the confidentiality of Driscoll’s financial, proprietary and employee information.
• Represents Driscoll’s in a manner that demonstrates Driscoll’s Mission and Values in all interactions internally and externally.
• Performs other duties as instructed*.

    Candidate Profile

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education & training

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or b) Master of Science (MS)
• Field of study: Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Horticulture or equivalent

Experience

• 5-10 years’ experience.
• Preferable working in an international dynamic environment.
• Relevant working experience in substrate management and protected cultivated systems preferably with soft fruit crops. Solid plant physiology knowledge.

Skills & behaviors

• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft office, expert level in Excel
• Advanced level of English
• Strong problem solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Pro-active attitude
• Focus and prioritization
• Explains difficult or sensitive information, works to build consensus

Competencies

• Strategic Mindset                                                     
• Cultivates innovation
• Plans & Aligns
• Drives results
• Collaborates
• Drives engagement
• Develops talent
• Courage

OTHERS:

• European driver’s license
• Availability to travel internally and internationally