Job description

The Variety Evaluation Manager supports the development of improved fruit cultivars for the breeding programs at IFG in McFarland, California. Responsibilities include data collection and analysis, spanning genotypic and phenotypic data in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory. This position will also assist in the overall activities of the fruit breeding programs, such as contributing to harvest solutions, fruit quality evaluation, and data processing. This position will support the overall efforts of IFG to introduce and commercialize improved varieties of fruit in a global marketplace.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Lead a team of evaluators to collect and analyze phenotypic data in the field, laboratory, and greenhouse to support plant breeding efforts

· Supervise and evaluate members of the evaluation team as assigned

· Manage research, evaluation, monitoring, databases, data security, reporting systems, and resources per policies and procedures.

· Facilitate linking data across databases and provide technical support.

· Manage the collection, entry, cleaning, analysis, reporting, and security of qualitative and quantitative data.

· Manage routine data collection efforts, including baseline analyses

· Assist in planning reflection sessions for teams and advisory groups to facilitate the use of data.

· Assist with routine plant breeding program functions, including determining fruit maturity, harvesting of fruit samples, assessments of fruit quality, controlled pollinations, and additional evaluations

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· Prepare, edit, and deliver documents, presentations, visuals, and reports for a variety of internal and external audiences.

· Communicate and work effectively and collaboratively with other staff and teams.

· Support IFG’s collective’s research and evaluation team and work in any other areas as needed.

· Ensure the Lead Plant Breeder is fully aware of all activities, issues, and progress.

· Other duties as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· Proven research, evaluation, monitoring, quantitative and qualitative data analysis/synthesis, and data management knowledge, skills, and abilities from a relevant background.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Fluency in spoken and written English required.

· Ability to prepare and deliver exceptional quality reports, presentations, and visuals to a variety of audience types internal and external to the organization.

· Ability to manage complex systems, resources, and coworker/team relationships to meet tight deadlines and ensure effective collaboration at all levels of the organization.

· Methodical approach, organizational and project management skills, and ability to multi-task and manage tight deadlines.

· Demonstrated professionalism with good judgment and decision-making capability, grace, a proactive approach, and a sense of humor.

· Able to work independently at a remote worksite with minimal supervision.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

· You are a self-reliant person and are strong at making things happen by turning thoughts into action.

· You have strong learning agility and can rapidly understand and analyze new situations.

· You are a strong communicator who can create high-quality materials and deliver compelling messages and presentations.

· You are ambitious and creative and enjoy the process of building something from the ground up.

· You can work efficiently and respectfully with others. You understand how individuals, groups, and societies work, and you build rapport through being trustworthy and empathetic.

· You strive for perfection and can move from the high level of a project to its smallest details.

· You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are flexible when it is necessary. You are willing to travel when needed and excel in a remote worksite.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Master’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, or related field preferred

· Minimum 3-4 years of relevant research and evaluation experience including proposal writing, project design and management, knowledge management, budgeting, qualitative and quantitative approaches, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, developing and applying tools, reporting, and disseminating findings.

· Experience scouting pests and diseases in the field

· Basic understanding of applied plant research, experimental design, and statistical analysis

· Experience conducting research and/or evaluations using R/RStudio

· Experience using software and platforms to manage research and evaluation tasks, collect and manage data, analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and link data across platforms.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

COVID-19 considerations:
IFG is taking needed precautions to protect everyone.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• McFarland, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• Do you have master’s degree in horticulture, agronomy?
• Do you have experience scouting pests and diseases in the agriculture?
• Do you have experience collecting, analyzing phenotypic data in the field, laboratory, and greenhouses?

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• relevant research and evaluation: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

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