What are the responsibilities and job description for the Administrative Support Specialist – R&D Group position at Sun World International?
Description
Sun World International is a California-based agriculture and technology firm engaged in fruit variety development, technology, intellectual property, and licensing. Technology and Intellectual Property 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
Do you thrive on making things run flawlessly? Do you have an eye for process improvement? Or how about being the glue that holds our Center for Innovation together? If that sounds exciting, this role may be a great fit for you! This position will play a critical role in supporting the efficient functioning of R&D operations at Sun World, ensuring that objectives are being met and processes are streamlined. This individual will report directly to the Tissue Culture Facility Manager and will oversee cost management, maintain clear internal communication, coordinate events, organize customer and stakeholder visits, and coordinate travel arrangements for the Chief Science Officer. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and have a customer centric focus.
Key Responsibilities
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.
Salary Description
$51,000 - $58,000 (depending upon experience)
Sun World International is a California-based agriculture and technology firm engaged in fruit variety development, technology, intellectual property, and licensing. Technology and Intellectual Property 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
Do you thrive on making things run flawlessly? Do you have an eye for process improvement? Or how about being the glue that holds our Center for Innovation together? If that sounds exciting, this role may be a great fit for you! This position will play a critical role in supporting the efficient functioning of R&D operations at Sun World, ensuring that objectives are being met and processes are streamlined. This individual will report directly to the Tissue Culture Facility Manager and will oversee cost management, maintain clear internal communication, coordinate events, organize customer and stakeholder visits, and coordinate travel arrangements for the Chief Science Officer. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and have a customer centric focus.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and manage programs for customer and stakeholder visits at our Center for Innovation, ensuring a positive and informative experience. Act as an ambassador for Sun World during visits (welcoming nature, positive attitude). Coordinate schedules, arrange site tours to showcase the company, and welcome visitors. Gather and analyze feedback from visitors to continuously improve the visit program.
- Manage and monitor the budget for the assigned cost center(s), ensuring all expenditures are within the approved limits. Collaborate with department heads to forecast financial needs and allocate resources effectively. Prepare regular financial reports and analysis to support decision-making processes.
- Coordinate travel arrangements for the Chief Science Officer including booking flights, accommodations, and transportation. Manage expense reports and reimbursements related to travel activities.
- Facilitate the scheduling of key meetings and activities.
- Complete forms and labels for shipping plant material to international markets to ensure compliance with local regulations and customs requirements.
- Order and manage supplies. Track inventory levels and ensure timely replenishment of materials and supplies.
- Create, edit, and format letters, reports, and presentations.
- Enter information into spreadsheets and databases.
- Assist with project management tasks like tracking deadlines and gathering information.
- Other duties as assigned.
- High School Diploma required. Associate’s or Bachelor's degree preferred.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in an Administrative Support role – a portion of which should include support of an Executive.
- Excellent communication skills: Both verbal and written, to effectively interact with various stakeholders.
- Organizational skills: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and maintain a structured workspace.
- Attention to detail: Ensuring accuracy in documents, data entry, and scheduling.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), email platforms, and calendar applications.
- Time management skills: Ability to meet deadlines and manage workload effectively.
- Customer service orientation: Demonstrate customer-centric behaviors throughout the organization.
- Possess a desire to continue to learn and grow.
- Have a growth mindset and a tolerance for a highly complex and dynamic work environment.
- Embodies Sun World’s core values of humility, respect, integrity, innovation, and collaboration.
- Target compensation range is $51,000 - $58,000 with a 10% target annual bonus.
- Full benefit package including health, dental, vision and life insurance and 401K with match
- Twenty vacation days to start
- Amazing culture
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.
Salary Description
$51,000 - $58,000 (depending upon experience)
Salary : $51,000 - $58,000
