Plant Health Intern

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Plant Health Intern

Location:

US - Watsonville, California

Job Family

Internship & Trainee Programs

Time Type

Full time

Job Requisition ID

R0008973

Experience Years

0-3 Years of Experience

Employee Type

Intern

About The Opportunity

Driscoll's Nursery Plant Health is seeking a detail-oriented Plant Health Intern to support our research and diagnostic team in maintaining the health and quality of berry plants. The ideal candidate will be responsible for collecting and preparing samples, conducting routine diagnostic tests (such as RPA or qPCR), maintaining accurate records, and ensuring all laboratory equipment is clean and properly calibrated. This role involves working in both laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments to support Nursery Plant Health programs.

Responsibilities

• Performing routine tests such as microscopy, pathogen isolation, culture media preparation, and molecular diagnostics (qPCR/RPA) under supervision.
• Providing support to greenhouse and field trials, including planting, watering, and monitoring experimental crops.
• Cleaning, sterilizing, and organizing laboratory equipment, glassware, and work areas to prevent cross-contamination.
• Assisting with the development and maintenance of databases, dashboards, and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) to improve visibility and support timely program reviews.
• Supporting SOP updates by maintaining accurate, organized, and version-controlled documentation.
• Helping ensure data integrity, traceability, and audit readiness across Clean Stock and Plant Health programs.
• Adhering strictly to health, safety, and biohazard protocols, including proper PPE usage and waste disposal.
  
  

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agronomy, Horticulture, Biology, or a related field
• 6 months of experience in the related field
• Experience in previous molecular and diagnostic techniques (qPCR, RPA, ELISA) (highly valued)
• Understanding of basic botany, microbiology, and plant disease principles
• Experience managing research trials in controlled environments, including planting, watering, and monitoring experimental crops
• Experience working with Excel and dashboard development tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Exposure to continuous improvement concepts and practices
• Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel - Intermediate
• Spanish - Intermediate
  
  

Preferred

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Current driver’s license or the ability to obtain one
• High level of organization, discipline, and time management
• Proactive and self-sufficient approach to assigned tasks
• Process-oriented mindset with the ability to follow structured workflows
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Ability to lift between 15 to 50 lbs. and work under field conditions
  
  

Compensation

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.

The hourly range estimated for this internship is: Freshman Junior to recent grad (Bachelor's level within 6 months of graduation): $19-$23/Master to PhD: $26-$40

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world. Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners. Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo. Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro. Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.

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