R&D operations manager

Research Operations / Greenhouse Management

To lead research activities under protected cultivation by managing the operational activities of greenhouses and covered structures. The primary objective is to coordinate teams for pollinations and seed-related activities while consistently improving key performance indicators (KPIs) linked to greenhouse-based breeding results. Central to this goal is the delivery of optimal, precision-driven plant care, ensuring the success and reliability of the vegetable breeding program.

As the Greenhouse Supervisor, you will lead a dedicated team in the development of new vegetable crops. You will manage the daily workflow and crop schedules for greenhouses, hoop houses, and cages.

Key responsibilities include:

Team Leadership and Coordination
:
Managing daily activities, hosting planning meetings, working with HR on development plans and safety procedures, and communicating with internal and external partners/stakeholders to ensure business success.

Trial Management and Collaboration
:
Collaborating with Breeders and Product Development teams to establish and evaluate trials across Yuma, Santa Maria, Salinas, and Gilroy. This includes coordinating research activities with external partners and sister companies within the Limagrain breeding programs.

Technical Operations: Leading plant maintenance, including the optimization of irrigation, nutrient inputs, and greenhouse environmental controls. You will oversee the precision of the growing environment and manage all seed harvesting activities, including cross-pollinations, single-plant selections, and bulk seed increases.

Facility and Admin Oversight: Managing chemical applications (QAL/PCA), executing crop‑specific IPM, and performing routine repairs on greenhouse systems and equipment. You will lead preventative maintenance oversight and maintain detailed records for all equipment, servicing, and repairs. This includes coordinating with and contacting external vendors when specialized servicing is required. You will also support Office Administration with essential record keeping for inventory, compliance, and budget management.

Qualifications
:

Experience:

Minimum 4 years in greenhouse operations and 2 years in a supervisory role.

Licenses:
Qualified Pesticide Applicator License (QAL) or Agricultural Pest Control Advisor (PCA) license. Clean driving record.

Technical:
Basic proficiency in MS Office Suite; ability to use a full‑face respirator.

Soft Skills:

Bi‑lingual skills (English/Spanish) are a plus; strong interpersonal communication and problem‑solving abilities.

We are looking for a self‑motivated leader with a positive attitude and strong organizational skills. You should expect to:

• Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality, with a willingness to work extended hours or weekends as needed.
• Consistently deliver high‑accuracy results and maintain rigorous attention to detail in a self‑directed work environment.
• Travel to external trialing sites (Salinas, San Juan Bautista, etc.) and compile detailed monthly status reports.
• Actively support the station's Illness and Injury Prevention Plan (IIPP) and lead safety trainings.

• Working Environment: You will work in a mix of office settings, greenhouses, and open fields. Exposure to outdoor temperatures (30°F to 110°F), dust, allergens, and agricultural chemicals is expected.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs, walk on uneven ground, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive leaning, squatting, and digging.
• Equipment: Familiarity with standard office tools as well as agricultural machinery (Tractors like John Deere/Case, Forklifts, Planters, Threshers, and Sprayers).
• Benefits: [
  
  Note:
  
  Leave for HR to populate with specific 401k/Health/PTO details]

The recruit met process will include meeting with the hiring team via 'MIcrosoft Teams' as well as in person. Typically the process takes a few weeks.

Vilmorin-Mikado is a Franco‑Japanese seed producer that has specialized in creating, producing, and selling vegetable seeds for professionals since 1743. As a…