Data Operations and Product Specialist

Sun World International is a California-based agriculture and technology firm engaged in fruit variety development, technology, intellectual property, and licensing. Technology and IP pursuits include one of the world’s leading fruit breeding/genetics programs, a broad-based portfolio of plant patents and trademarks and investments in agriculture technology start-ups benefiting its global licensees. Licensing consists of sharing new proprietary stone fruit, table grape, and sub-tropical fruit varieties and the IP they comprise, with like-minded fruit growers and marketers in more than 17 countries around the world. The Company prizes creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Its people strive for excellence by demonstrating leadership, passion, kindness, authenticity, courage, initiative, and curiosity.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

At the heart of Sun World’s business is a commitment to developing new fruit varieties that can be grown in a sustainable way and optimized for yield, flavor, and appearance. The R&D and Product Development program focuses on fast-moving technology and developing the next generation of fruit genetics to meet grower challenges and consumer expectations. The program is located at the Sun World Center for Innovation in Wasco, California - in the heart of San Joaquin Valley agriculture production. At Sun World you are part of a team that values passion, respect, and leadership to envision and create the future.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Data Operations and Product Specialist will be a key driver in the development, implementation, and adoption of cutting-edge technologies to support Sun World’s plant breeding program. This role is embedded within the R&D and Product Development teams and will ensure the effective integration of advanced data technologies into our breeding operations. If you are passionate about data and technology and excited about leveraging these tools to drive agricultural innovation, this is the role for you.

You will work directly with the Genomics and Traits Discovery team, collaborating with breeders, data scientists, technicians, and operations teams. Your work will play a critical part in transforming data into actionable insights, ensuring that new technologies are embraced by internal teams through hands-on support, training, and continuous improvements. The successful candidate will have a keen understanding of how to streamline data workflows and enable fast, informed decision-making in product development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Data Operations and Integration

• Organize, manage, and ensure the accessibility of plant trait data from multiple crops, focusing on data wrangling, quality assurance (QA/QC), and reporting.
• Work with data scientists to develop and maintain dashboards and reporting tools that improve visibility and decision-making.
• Ensure accurate data capture, proper integration, and seamless access across teams to support breeding and agronomy operations.
• Manage large datasets and make them usable for various departments, ensuring compatibility with internal systems.

2. Product Expertise and Technology Adoption

• Gain deep knowledge of Sun World’s plant breeding software and phenotyping technologies (both lab and field-based) to ensure their effective integration into breeding workflows.
• Collaborate closely with breeders, technicians, and operational teams to support the adoption of new technologies and ensure they meet operational needs.
• Provide continuous support for troubleshooting and resolving issues related to technology integration, ensuring smooth daily operations.

3. Collaboration, Training, and Support

• Act as a liaison between the product development team and other stakeholders, gathering feedback and documenting requirements to enhance technology tools and software.
• Lead training sessions to ensure effective software usage across teams, providing ongoing support to plant breeders, researchers, and technical teams.
• Work cross-functionally to promote technology adoption, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that teams are aligned with product and technology goals.

4. Continuous Improvement and Quality Assurance

• Participate in testing and validating new software features to ensure they meet the functional needs of breeding operations.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to improve data capture processes, software functionality, and technology integration to optimize breeding programs.
• Maintain a proactive approach to software evolution, collaborating with the product team to refine features that align with organizational goals.

KEY SKILLS DESIRED:

• Technical Expertise: Strong background in data operations, including data QA/QC, wrangling, analysis, and reporting using tools like R, Python, PowerBI, or other relevant platforms.
• Product Knowledge: Experience with software tools and technologies that capture, visualize, and report on complex datasets, especially in the context of agriculture and plant breeding.
• Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with plant breeding, genetics, or related fields, with experience in experimental design and data management in these areas.
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and troubleshooting skills for resolving issues related to software, technology integration, and data flow.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, ensuring successful technology adoption and integration into day-to-day operations.
• Communication: Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring team members are equipped to use new technologies effectively.

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Biology, Genetics, Ecology or Computer Science along with a minimum of 3 years of applicable experience. Will also consider those with a Master’s degree in Plant Science, Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Computer Science, or a related field along with a minimum of 2 years of applicable experience. Experience in agricultural technology and breeding operations is preferred.
• Strong experience in data management, quality control, integration, and analysis, with proficiency in data analysis tools such as R, Python, or PowerBI.
• High technical proficiency, with the ability to troubleshoot and communicate complex software and hardware systems.
• Familiarity with breeding management software, phenotyping technologies, and other relevant data tools used in plant breeding and agriculture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into accessible language.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The position is regularly required to sit, use hands-to-finger, handle controls, and talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, and stop. Employee must regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus, as well as work with a computer monitor and in the field.

Compensation for this role is $73,500 - $80,000 depending upon education and experience, plus bonus.

Sun World International LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity. The company does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic forbidden under federal, state or local law.