Crop Protection Research Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are

Ag Metrics Group is an agricultural consulting and contract research organization (Ag CRO) with more than 45 years of experience supporting crop production and agricultural innovation. Through our regional research centers—Florida Ag Research, Michigan Ag Research, and Pacific Ag Research—we serve national and international clients across the agricultural industry.

Our multidisciplinary teams conduct field, greenhouse, and laboratory research in crop protection, entomology, plant pathology, biologicals, agronomy, precision agriculture, regulatory GLP studies, and crop genetics.

The Role

The Southeast USA Area Research Manager provides scientific, operational, and strategic leadership for Ag Metrics Group’s agricultural research activities throughout the Southeast region. Based on-site in Thonotosassa, Florida, this role is accountable for the successful operation and performance of regional field, greenhouse, and laboratory research programs supporting crop protection, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural product development.

The Area Research Manager leads scientific, field, farming, and facility teams while overseeing research quality, operational resources, budgets, client relationships, regulatory compliance, and business development initiatives. This position works closely with clients, cooperators, scientists, and regional leadership to ensure research programs achieve scientific objectives, meet contractual commitments, and support the continued growth of the organization.

This position requires approximately 15–20% travel to research sites, client locations, cooperator sites, and industry meetings.

What You’ll Do

• Provide scientific and operational leadership for field, greenhouse, and laboratory research programs across the Southeast region.
• Direct the planning, execution, monitoring, data review, interpretation, and reporting of crop protection and agricultural product development trials.
• Oversee research involving fruit, vegetable, greenhouse, and field crops, including pesticide efficacy, pest management, and related crop production studies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop scientific, field, farming, and facility teams while establishing priorities, allocating work, and supporting employee performance and development.
• Manage regional staffing, project schedules, budgets, facilities, equipment, and operational resources to support research objectives and client commitments.
• Ensure research activities are conducted in accordance with study protocols, scientific quality standards, safety procedures, licensing requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Serve as a senior technical and operational contact for clients and cooperators, providing project oversight, research updates, technical guidance, and resolution of project-related concerns.
• Oversee the quality, accuracy, and timely delivery of research data, technical reports, presentations, and other client deliverables.
• Develop research proposals and support the transition of approved proposals into client contracts and research programs.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with clients, growers, cooperators, industry partners, and internal stakeholders to support client retention and business growth.
• Collaborate with regional and district leadership to develop and execute business development, sales, and marketing initiatives.
• Evaluate emerging agricultural technologies, research methods, and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and expanded research services.
• Ensure research facilities, scientific equipment, field resources, and farming operations are effectively maintained and positioned to meet current and future business needs.

What You’ll Bring

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Entomology, Agronomy, Biology, Crop Protection, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five years of experience in agricultural research management, contract research, crop protection, or product development.
• Demonstrated experience managing field, greenhouse, or laboratory research programs and leading scientific or technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of crop protection, pest management, pesticide efficacy, and agricultural research methods.
• Experience with fruit and vegetable crops and associated pests or diseases.
• Experience developing research proposals and preparing scientific reports and technical presentations.
• Strong leadership, client relationship, communication, analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant research or data-management systems.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GLP or other regulated agricultural research.
• Experience in contract research within the Southeast United States.
• Knowledge of soil pest biology and related research methods.
• Familiarity with agricultural data-analysis tools, GIS, or precision agriculture technologies.

Physical and Work Requirements

This role operates across office, laboratory, greenhouse, field, and agricultural environments. The position requires the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, navigate uneven terrain, and regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays
• Medical and dental insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Business travel reimbursement in accordance with company policy

Other Duties

This posting is not intended to include every duty or responsibility associated with the position. Responsibilities may change based on business, research, and operational needs.