Technical Grower

About the Opportunity

Driscoll’s operates a several research farms which form a critical part of the overall business. The Technical Grower supports the Test Plot Manager in growing high quality crops for the breeders and other researchers. Responsibilities include all aspects of growing operations for raspberry, blackberry, blueberry substrate test plot for the Agadir area. The focus of this position will be new technology implementation, irrigation, fertilization, environmental data monitoring, pest & disease management, and running an advanced irrigation system. Collaborating well with stakeholders in performing the farming of their trials is key to this role.
***PLEASE NOTE: Please upload your resume/CV in English for consideration for the Technical Grower position***

 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 the existing research farm teams to grow the crops to best commercial practice
•    Gather monthly water samples and tissue samples to guarantee proper nutrient targets are met
•    Manage the implementation of new technologies in designated area of focus 
•    Manage a team by giving guidance on irrigation a fertility decision, daily/weekly tasks and long-term planning
•    Ensure correct EC, pH and fertility are maintained in correct ranges through analysis of daily data collection and oversight of irrigation system maintenance 
•    Communicate with internal stakeholders (breeders, entomologists, plant pathologists, and applied researchers) on fertilization, pest/disease management, and other farming duties
•    Support pest and disease control program, including scouting and coordination of chemical applications 
•    Ability to work well with all supervisors and employees at a ranch level
•    Fulfill other duties as assigned

    Candidate Profile

•    An Engineer degree or a Master’s degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, with comprehensive understanding of horticulture crops and agronomy, plant physiology and plant genetics
•    Knowledge of the agronomy of horticultural crops from seedling to harvesting 
•    Berry production knowledge, including direct experience with berry fruit production, would be highly desirable 
•    Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with other crew members in achieving team goals
•    Experience with research protocols; and knowledge of plant health and pest pressure assessment, knowledge of farming operation agricultural practices
•    Ability to work in the field, office and corporate settings, including the ability to perform repetitive physical work as necessary 
•    Ability to make fertility and irrigation decisions for berries with minimal guidance
•    Contribute to the strategic planning of the research farms and ensure implementation of plans in alignment with plant breeders and applied research 
•    Develop, design, and implement high-quality processes and improvements in research farms and lead the development of new technologies in the breeding research farms
•    Self-starter, hands-on, ability to work independently and work well with teams
•    Demonstrated proficiency with computer programs (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Data analysis software is a must
•    English is required

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