Research Agronomist

• Location: Oxnard, CA
• Reports To: VP of Research & Development
• Hiring Pay Range: $32.00 to $37.00/hour
• Classification: Salaried, Non-Exempt
• Bonus: Eligible for a discretionary bonus

Position Summary

Duda Farm Fresh Foods is seeking a Research Agronomist to join our Research & Development team in Oxnard, California. Reporting to the VP of Research & Development, this role supports West Coast production research and helps optimize vegetable production through disciplined, data-driven field trials.

The Research Agronomist will assist with the full lifecycle of research trials, from setup and field execution through data collection, analysis, reporting, and presentation of results. The primary crop supported will be celery, with opportunities to work with other vegetable crops produced by Duda Farm Fresh Foods.

What You'll Do

• Assist with field trial setup, planting coordination, mapping, treatment identification, maintenance, evaluation, and harvest.
• Collect agronomic, quality, and post-harvest data and maintain accurate trial records.
• Analyze research data and develop reports, summaries, visualizations, and presentations.
• Support breeding programs with trials, seed production, selections, and other research activities.
• Coordinate with research, production, harvest, and processing teams to support successful trial execution.
• Assist with tissue sampling, basic laboratory analyses, seed preparation, and treatment labeling.
• Handle confidential research and intellectual property information appropriately. 

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Biology, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• One or more years of experience in plant breeding, agricultural research trials, or related work.
• Strong Excel and data-management skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Pest Control Advisor license and/or Certified Crop Adviser credential preferred.

This position works across offices, laboratories, greenhouses, warehouses, cold-rooms, and field environments. Travel to other growing and research locations may represent approximately 25% of the role, and occasional work outside normal business hours or on weekends may be required. 

Compensation: The hiring range for this position is $32.00 to $37.00 per hour, depending on qualifications, skills, and relevant experience. This is a salaried, non-exempt position and is eligible for a discretionary bonus.