R&D Technician (Hoedspruit-Limpopo province)

Driscoll's; Johannesburg; Remote; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the berry industry is seeking an R&D Technician to support their Breeding Programs. The role involves coordinating harvest evaluations, training staff, and ensuring data integrity. Ideal candidates will have a background in agronomy or horticulture and strong organizational skills.

Qualifications

• 2 years of professional work experience in Horticulture.
• Ability to work in the field for long hours.

Responsibilities

• Assist in training seasonal staff on harvest evaluation protocols.
• Coordinate harvest and data operations with the Test Plot Manager.
• Conduct checks and calibrations for proper fruit handling.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Problem Solving

Education

Diploma or Degree in Agronomy

Diploma or Degree in Horticulture

Diploma or Degree in Agriculture

Diploma or Degree in Plant Production

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Location: South Africa - Remote Worker
• Job Family: Operations
• Time Type: Full time
• Job Requisition ID: R0007524
• Experience Years: 0-3 Years of Experience
• Employee Type: Regular
  
  

About The Opportunity

Under the general supervision of the Test Plot Manager, the R&D Technician will coordinate harvest evaluation of Driscoll’s proprietary plant varieties according to globally established protocols. This position will support our Breeding Programs in collecting data required by Breeders and their teams while supporting the Test Plot Manager with daily activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Test Plot Manager in training seasonal staff according to written global protocols for harvest evaluation.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Test Plot Manager on harvest and data operations.
• Ensure all necessary equipment is in good condition, properly serviced, calibrated, and available for staff use.
• Conduct regular checks and calibrations to ensure proper fruit handling in accordance with established protocols.
• Support test plot operations, including pruning, administration, data collection, label printing, field mapping, and plot allocations.
• Ensure timely preparation and delivery of representative shelf-life samples, Brix measurements, sensory evaluations, and customer samples.
• Develop, review, and maintain written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for test plot activities, harvest, and data collection.
• Stay updated on globally established protocols for yield collection and grading.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of all collected internal database records.
• Assist with hosting and supporting visiting customers, growers, and other visitors.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Test Plot Manager.
  
  

Candidate Profile

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agriculture, or Plant Production
• 2 years of professional work experience in Horticulture
• Be able to work in the field for long hours.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Have good organizational skills and be able to multitask.
• The ability to follow instructions, pay close attention to detail.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Strong initiative and accountability to deliver against projected goals.
• Valid drivers license
  
  

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.

Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries.

Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo.

Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro.

Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.

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