Research & Development Coordinator

3starlettuce; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

3 Star Lettuce in Salinas, California is seeking a Research & Development Coordinator to lead operational activities in the Coast and Central Valley production regions. The role encompasses coordinating trial programs and managing teams while ensuring operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in horticulture and 5+ years of experience in field trial management. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for successfully executing trial programs and collaborating with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct experience in field trial management or breeding operations.
• Extensive knowledge of vegetable crop production and industry.
• Ability to manage a variable work schedule around crop production.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate R&D operations in Coast and Central Valley production regions.
• Execute trial programs from scheduling and cultivation through seed harvest.
• Manage full-time employees and supervise contract personnel.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Bachelor's degree in horticulture, crop science, agronomy, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Role:

The Research & Development Coordinator is a key role within 3 Star Lettuce. The position is responsible for leading operational activities in the Coast and Central Valley production regions for R&D. The Coordinator will leverage management and horticultural skills to actively lead people and maintain facilities for successful execution of trial programs. This role will advance the trialing capabilities and improve operational excellence for the rapid development of elite commercial varieties for 3 Star Lettuce.

Location(s):

Salinas, CA

Areas of Responsibility:

• Coordinate R&D operations in Coast and Central Valley production regions.
• Execute trial programs from scheduling and cultivation through seed harvest.
• Manage full-time employees and supervise contract personnel, occasionally large crews.
• Maintain facilities in a clean and safe manner including greenhouse, seed processing, and storage.
• Keep equipment in good working order and trial materials stocked.
• Keep detailed, up-to-date records across department resources.
• Actively communicate trial status and updates to internal stakeholders in a clear, actionable way.
• Identify, evaluate, and deploy innovative solutions to achieve R&D objectives.
• Support other teams and departments in key activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, crop science, agronomy, or related field.
• 5+ years of direct experience in field trial management or breeding operations.
• Extensive knowledge of vegetable crop production and industry.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, web/mobile applications, and data entry.
• Able to troubleshoot and solve problems in a professional and timely manner.
• Works well with minimal supervision, takes initiative, and is a self-starter.
• Ability to manage a variable work schedule around crop production.
• A team player with a can‑do attitude and is goal driven.
• Must have a clean driving record with DMV.
• Bi-lingual in English/Spanish

Ideal Candidate:

• Willing and able to travel to other lettuce production areas as needed
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build long‑term industry relationships
• Self‑motivated and capable of working independently with strong attention to detail
• Enjoys working collaboratively and contributing to a long‑term, healthy company culture