Assistant Research Director

About the Position

The California Strawberry Commission’s (CSC) Research Department is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Assistant Research Director (ARD) to assist in the planning, execution and delivery of the activities and programs of CSCs Research Department. The ARD will have an active role at the CSC working directly with the Vice President (VP) of Research as a science consultant, a research and public policy data analyst, and working directly with the Production Research Manager (PRM) in the setup, coordination, and execution of field-based production research. The ARD will report directly to the VP of Research and will work collaboratively with CSCs Production Research Manager, CSCs Director of Grower Education, CSCs Director of Automation, and the Director of the Strawberry Center at Cal Poly.

The CSC runs a multi-million-dollar research program which funds grants to University, USDA, private researchers, and projects conducted by Commission staff to support production and technological advancement in California strawberry production. The ARD will have primary responsibilities in coordinating the execution of research projects administered through CSCs Research Grants Program. Additional responsibilities include assisting in the proposal evaluation process, as well as editing responsibilities for CSCs Annual Production Research Reports and evaluating funded projects return-on-investment (ROI). In working with the PRM, the ARD/DA will assist in field sampling, collection and analysis of data, and/or execution of experiments or trials for the purposes of: i) assisting grant recipients meet the objectives of their funded CSC project(s); ii) establishing baseline information to address immediate research or policy needs; and iii) verification that the research priorities identified by CSCs Research Committee and the Strawberry Center’s Industry Advisory Council align with industry needs. The ARD/DA will be expected to maintain and grow working relationships with an inter-disciplinary team of agricultural researchers and engineers, UC Extension, ranch managers, farm staff, and Pest Control Advisors located within the University of California, Cal Poly University, The Strawberry Center, USDA-ARS, and other private and public organizations or institutions.

The ideal candidate will have the technical skills necessary to execute field-based projects including design, set-up, managing staff, and translating research results into management practices and/or training programs for growers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data collection and management from public databases (e.g., NOAA Weather, CDPR Pesticide Use Reporting), statistical analysis (e.g., GLIM, spatial analyses), data summary and graphical presentation, and be proficient in or willing to learn GIS software (Arc-GIS). The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills to extend research results to growers and researchers through presentations at industry and research meetings, in written summaries to the industry and granting agencies, and in delivering training for the Grower Education program when needed. The ideal candidate should be able to confidently interact with not just researchers, engineers and students but also with the growers, shippers and processors that make up the strawberry industry in California.

The ARD/DA will work from CSCs Main Office in Watsonville, CA. This is an exempt full-time, in-person position with a 40-hour per week schedule, which includes benefits. The normal schedule is Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Frequent overnight travel within the three primary strawberry growing districts in California (Watsonville/Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard) is expected to engage in activities related to the position’s duties and responsibilities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

§ Assist VP of Research in the management the annual research grant program which includes the solicitation, review, funding, and result reporting of funded projects.

§ Assist VP of Research and the Production Research Manager in coordinating the efforts of the field research, grower education and automation teams.

§ Conduct data analytics related to the scope of work of the Research program including science-related public policy issues

§ Assist in the development and maintenance of education programs that address the production issues of the California strawberry industry.

§ Support the work of the CSC Research Committee.

Teamwork

§ Work with the VP of Research, CSCs Research Committee and the Strawberry Center’s Industry Advisory Council in identifying long-term strategic goals for the production research program and in developing a strategy to achieve them.

§ Assist VP of Research in the continuing development and delivery of issue driven production research and grower education programs.

§ Help to coordinate and continue the Commission’s collaborative efforts with University of California and USDA researchers and the Cal Poly Strawberry Center.

Communication

§ Strong written and spoken communication skills.

§ Prepare written and graphical reports/updates on production research for the California strawberry industry.

§ Present research updates at grower and research meetings and with regulators.

§ Work directly with growers, shippers and processors to identify production issues and recommend management solutions.

§ Support the VP of Research with analysis of technical information relevant to issues and crises affecting the strawberry industry.

Qualifications

§ A Ph.D. is required in a field relevant to agricultural production and production research.

§ At least one (1) year of extension experience in agricultural production/research or other relevant experience.

§ At least three (3) years of applied research experience in agricultural production.

§ Experience leading a research program and managing research program personnel desired.

§ Enjoy working in the field and interacting with growers and industry representatives.

§ Demonstrate flexibility and multi-tasking capabilities in a fast-paced work environment.

§ Think creatively and provide input to CSC initiatives.

§ Excellent analytical skills in evaluation of research and interpretation of results.

§ Valid California Driver’s License and be able to travel (by car and airplane) extensively within California to the strawberry production regions to manage research projects and attend grower meetings.

§ Must be willing to work in person from the CSC Main Office in Watsonville.

§ Bilingual, biliterate in Spanish is desired.

Computer Skills

§ Proficiency in Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and Power BI.

§ Ability to perform statistical analyses in R, SAS, Minitab or any relevant statistical platform.

§ Ability to use or learn GIS software (preferably ArcGIS).

§ The ability to prepare reports, graphics, and presentations for internal and external use.

§ Possess a willingness to learn additional skills as assigned.

Interpersonal Temperament

Requires tact, judgment, empathy, organizational skills, energy, and the ability to deal with a wide range of personalities and people from varied socio-economic backgrounds. Must be adaptable and able to perform professionally when under temporary stress and when encountering others under stress.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

§ Work in an office environment, in a farm environment, and ability to travel.

§ While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

§ The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

§ Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

You’ll be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to supporting California strawberry growers, shippers, and processors. In this role, you’ll help foster the innovation and technology to improve strawberry production, foster sustainability, and promote continuous improvement across the industry while building meaningful relationships and making a statewide impact.

Please send cover letter with resume to the attention of Dr. Bill Turechek.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The California Strawberry Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment) against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), domestic violence, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. We will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination or harassment by any employee, including supervisors and co-workers. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and all areas of employment including, but not limited to hiring, recruitment, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and training. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled applicants and employees as well as pregnant employees upon request.

***The CSC is an E-Verify Employer***

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $105,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Watsonville, CA 95076 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $105,000 - $140,000