Technical Advisor

Technical Advisor

The Technical Advisor provides technical advice/consultation to all stakeholders in the citrus/stone/vegetable (CSV) value chain, including growers, packers, and shippers regarding producing, storing, handling and processing of fruit and vegetables. This person is part of a team of Technical Advisors in the field leading and coordinating field trials, product & treatment recommendations, fruit and vegetable handling advice, and ensuring application protocols are followed. This person will work closely with Commercial and R&D teams to support strategic agenda initiatives focused on maximizing fruit and vegetable quality.

Job Responsibilities:

• Advisor: Responsible for advising stakeholders on the proper use of Decco products focused on protecting fruit and vegetable quality during the postharvest process. Provide insight into proper handling practices during the storage and shipping of commodities.
• Technical Expert: Achieve expert status on the known pathogens of fruit and vegetables along with the optimum control methods and products. Continuous improvement of skills and knowledge of postharvest handling practices.
• Biological Testing: Prepare and properly utilize fungicide amended PDA plates to monitor pathogen activity and measure pesticide resistance levels. Properly analyze results to make treatment recommendations.
• Collaboration: Professional interactions with colleagues and customers, communicate clearly, active listening, incorporating inputs from others, personal responsibility, and respect for diverse and alternative thoughts and ideas. Interact with university and industry experts to know latest trends, upcoming products, and conduct research to support upcoming and ongoing business opportunities.
• Innovation: Focus on continuous improvement of products, applications, and handling practices. Seek opportunities to provide solutions for customer and organizational needs.
• Training/Teaching/Presenting: Sharing knowledge of treatment and handling practices with colleagues, customers, and general audiences. Scenarios will range from 1 on 1 meetings to large group presentations.
• Trials/Tests: Coordinate with R&D colleagues and commercial teams to conduct lab testing and field trials with various products on numerous commodities.

Required Education, Experience, Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Pathology, Agronomy, or a related field
• Minimum 4 years of relevant working experience related to producing, processing, handling, and/or treatment of fruit and vegetables
• Experience conducting research and trials on agricultural commodities
• Computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other MS Office programs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Have or are able to obtain Pest Control Advisor's license from California DPR within 12 months of hire date

Preferred Experience, Skills:

• MS, MBA, or PHD in Agriculture or Crop Science related field
• Knowledge of pesticides and general use
• Experience with regulatory affairs and processes
• Team leadership experience
• Qualified Applicator's License from California DPR
• Knowledge of Food Safety practices and regulations

Location: Ventura County and surrounding areas

Key Competencies:

• Cultivates Innovation - Thinks creatively and implements solutions for everyday problems; Strives to continually improve own processes and areas of business; Puts forward proposals and develops strategic implementation plans to introduce new and improved ways of operating.
• Results Orientation: Strong capability in focusing on tasks and results to achieving goals, solving problems, maintaining productivity, and making fast decisions using a critical thinking approach.
• Organization/Project Management - Plan and schedule work according to changing priorities; designs and maintains effective systems and processes for managing work.
• Resourcefulness – Identifying, Securing & Deploying resources effectively & efficiently (People, funds, infrastructure) to accomplish a goal

Travel: As needed, 10%