Watermelon Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hazera is a global leader in the vegetable seed industry, bringing expertise, commitment, and support, combined with decades of experience and state-of-the-art technology. Hazera breeds, develops, produces, and markets varieties and seeds in a wide range of vegetable crops worldwide. With headquarters in Israel and The Netherlands, subsidiaries in twelve countries, and an extensive distribution network, Hazera provides services in over a hundred additional markets globally.

The purpose of this position is to support regional R&D field testing needs by planning, coordinating, and implementing a multi-crop trial program (onion, watermelon, radish, brassicas, tomato, etc.) in close collaboration with growers and dealers.

This role ensures the execution of high-quality trials, delivering reliable data for the evaluation and validation of new varieties and supporting breeding advancement decisions. It aligns trial activities with local conditions and market needs while maintaining strong data accuracy and traceability

As a member of the Global R&D Trial Officer team, reporting directly to the Global Trialing Manager and functionally integrated within the Hazera US team, the position contributes to cross-functional collaboration, innovation, and the competitiveness of the product portfolio. This position will be based in California.

Note:

• The position requires spending up to 80% of the time in the field, performing hands on work on outdoor trials.
• This role is will cover the Gilroy to Santa Maria area and will travel to the Pacific Northwest 4 times a year

Roles & Responsibilities

• Prepare a regional R&D field trial operational plan according to Breeding Team annual planning.
• Increase network of growers where to place R&D trials
• Preparation of grower agreement.
• Actively manage all components of the R&D field trial plan, e.g. placement of trials, sowing, planting, etc.
• Follow up visit and regularly update project manager.
• Actively steer on field trial success and quality data, monitor and report on progress.
• Carry out evaluation of trials and support the breeding in selections and evaluations.
• Collect data (Phenotyping) according to breeders’ requirements
• Organize and attend breeders’ visits.
• Report on data collected and results to project manager providing regular updates and monthly reports
• Interact with local authorities to get phytosanitary certificates and export permits.
• Interact with nurseries, growers, seed dealers and laboratories.
• Ensure objectivity, reliability and data collection and processing.
• Assuring safe work conditions and execution.
• Contributes to the further development of a global R&D trial network through engagement and collaborative interaction with colleagues in the different regions.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in the vegetable seed business and agronomy; internships, part‑time roles, or other practical student work may be considered as qualifying experience for entry‑level candidates.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout employment. We do not sponsor employment visas for this position.
• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural science or related field.
• Proven knowledge of field trials operations.
• Ability to identify areas of improvement
• Expertise in MS Office; strong analytical, organizational, and decision‑making skills.
• Proactiveness, and autonomy in agenda/travel planning.
• Willingness to travel and work under variable environmental conditions.
• Flexible working hours during growing seasons.
• Professional English (spoken and written), Spanish proficiency is an advantage.
• Valid driver’s license.

The rewards of working here: You join an expert team of innovators and creators that collaborate with farmers around the world to sustainably enhance the taste and quality of healthy food. Our goal is to form teams that inspire and learn from each other as they work to elevate our products from seed to table. We recognize our employees as our most valued resource and work to create an atmosphere that is supportive, healthy, and progressive. We promote an environment of wellness and well‑being and hybrid schedules when it is appropriate for the position. It is an important and expanding piece of our local and global mission for Diversity & Inclusion programs and support groups in the corporate world.

Hazera offers a strong compensation and benefits package to its employees:

• Competitive salary
• This position’s range is $72,000 - $78,000

Our total compensation and pay ranges reflect our market pay structures. As such, individual salaries or hourly rates are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: local geographical market conditions, internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as job related skills, education, and experience.

Hazera is a global leader in the development of high-quality hybrid seeds. As part of the Limagrain Group, an international agricultural cooperative based in France, we have headquarters in Israel and the Netherlands. With 11 subsidiaries and a vast distribution network in over 130 markets worldwide. We represent a global community of experts and stakeholders, committed to making a positive impact on the present and future of agriculture. We take this responsibility seriously, striving to make a greater impact and recognizing the importance of every seed, person, and partnership.

Limagrain is a global company with deep local roots. Our parent company is an agricultural cooperative based in the Limagne-Val d’Allier plain, in the heart of Central France’s Auvergne region, while we are an international seed and agri‑food group with some 9,600 employees working in 53 countries. As the 4th largest seed company in the world, we achieved sales of 2.522 billion euros in 2023-2024, with additional sales of 729 million euros from activities carried out in collaboration with our strategic partners.