Product Evaluation Specialist 1

Summary: The successful candidate for the Product Evaluation Specialist 1 role will plan and execute experiments to evaluate plants or fruits of various tomato types. This position will be involved in field, laboratory and distribution channel product evaluations. Trials or experiments will focus primarily on components of tomato yield and post-harvest fruit performance. The position will report directly to the Deputy Director of Breeding or designee.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, the qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the basic job tasks.

• B.S. or higher in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, or closely related field.
• Supervisory or managerial experience required.
• Excellent computer skills for data acquisition, analysis and reporting.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy with experience in experimentation.
• Able to work extra hours in a day or occasionally on weekends to complete tasks.
• Able to work independently, cooperatively, and effectively while maintaining productive working relationships with multiple other employees.
• Able to work in varying environments (hot, cold, humid, wet) while conducting diverse activities such as field planting, harvesting, loading/transport, grading, and other types of plant data collection.
• Must be a US citizen or possess U.S. residency status with ability to live and work in the Naples/Ft. Myers FL area.
• Ability to travel to in-state and out-of-state trial locations for up to 21 days at a time.
• Able to safely drive for extended periods of time. Able to hitch, tow and back up a large trailer for proper positioning and operation.
• Non-tobacco user in any form or at any time is a requirement.
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish is required.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for supervision and instruction of R&D technicians and seasonal laborers as operations require. Responsible for planning, coordinating, instructing, supervising, and arranging for non-departmental support staff as necessary to complete tasks on time and on budget.
• Assist in the planning and execution of experimental, semi-commercial and commercial trials. This will include experimental design, timing, labeling, sowing, mapping, planting, sampling, safe transport, proper storage, fruit grading, post-harvest fruit testing, data analysis, and timely reporting of results.
• Interact with R&D staff and Lipman management to develop evaluation protocols and schedules to facilitate accurate and timely testing of experimental products. Maintain accurate experimental data records.
• Prepare, ship and store fruit samples to/from the fields, labs, and packing facilities as required.
• Coordinate requisite labor requests. Instruct and train workers to ensure accurate, safe, and high-quality execution of all trial activities.
• Assist in annual budget planning based on anticipated experimental needs.
• Arrange travel and accommodations as needed. Maintain accurate expense or purchase records.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $76,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $76,000