Station Lead

Ag Metrics Group is seeking aSalinas Station Leadto lead scientific crop protection research at our Salinas operations. This is a hands‑on leadership role for an experienced researcher who can design and execute trials, run high‑quality data and report workflows, and build trusted client relationships.

This position emphasizes plant pathology and related issues in leafy vegetables and small fruit crops.

Whatyou’lldo

• Lead field, greenhouse, and lab studies evaluating crop protection products (foliar, soil, and seed‑applied), supporting product development and sustainable agriculture programs.
• Own trial execution end‑to‑end: protocol alignment, scheduling, assessments, data integrity, and final technical reporting.
• Manage and develop the Salinas team across scientific and farming operations, coordinate staffing and daily priorities.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for clients and cooperators, including consultation meetings and on‑site representation.
• Maintain equipment readiness and facility operations to support year‑round research throughput.
• Partner with internal managers to plan seasonal workloads, optimize resources, and deliver high‑quality outcomes.

What success looks like

• Trials run on time with clear documentation, strong disease pressure/biological relevance, and dependable data.
• Clean, organized datasets and reports that clients can confidently use for decision‑making.
• Professional, proactive communication that strengthens long‑term partnerships.
• A well‑led station team operating safely, efficiently, and with scientific rigor.

What you bring Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work across fields, greenhouses, and laboratory environments.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and time‑management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including presenting technical findings to clients.
• Proficiency with ARM and Microsoft Office (or comparable tools).
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Education and Experience

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Biology, Crop Protection, or related agricultural discipline.
• 5+ years of agricultural research experience, including field trial execution.
• Experience in pesticide efficacy research, disease management, and crop pest biology.
• Technical report writing and data‑driven interpretation of results.
• Bonus: pathogen isolation, culture collection management, and media preparation.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in variable and extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to50 lbs. Regularly.
• Willingness to travel20–50%, including occasional short‑term assignments (up to 6 months on location).
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without current or future employer sponsorship. We do not offer employment visa sponsorship for this position.

Job Type: Full‑time

Pay: $65,000- $85,000 a year

• 401(k)
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program

Why this role

You will have real ownership of a major research site and the opportunity to influence how trials are planned, executed, and communicated—while working directly with clients who rely on objective, high‑quality data.

To apply: Submit your Linked In application with a resume in PDF format and not in Word (and optional cover note) highlighting your trial leadership experience, crops/systems you’ve worked in, and examples of technical reporting or client‑facing work.

Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Industries:
Research Services

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