Description
The Manager of Production Automation (Manager of PA) will have a leadership role in the development and coordination of research and engineering projects focused on labor-saving automation in the production of California strawberries. The California Strawberry Commission (CSC) runs a multi-million-dollar research program which funds grants to University, USDA, private researchers, and projects conducted by Commission staff to support production and technological advancement in California strawberry production. The Manager of PA has three key areas of responsibility. First, in collaboration with the Director of Automation Engineering, to identify and develop research projects focused on the creation of labor-saving automation to be used in the production of strawberries in California. Second, to maintain and grow private public partnerships with The Strawberry Center located at Cal Poly, the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering (BRAE) Department at Cal Poly, USDA ARS, and similar organizations to serve as a catalyst for innovation and development of equipment to automate production practices such as runner cutting, IOT equipment operator aid, transplanting, and Lygus bug monitoring. Third, to understand the current state of research and development in labor saving automation for agriculture and develop with the Director of Automation Engineering and the CSC’s Automation Taskforce, an effective strategy for accelerating the development of these tools for California strawberry production.
The Manager of PA will have strong communication skills and be adept at interacting with not just researchers, engineers and students but also with the growers, shippers and processors that make up the strawberry industry in California. The Manager of PA will live in the San Luis Obispo area and work out of an office in the Strawberry Center on the campus at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo. The manager will work closely with the Director of the Strawberry Center and interact with the faculty and students at Cal Poly with the goal of creating projects with them that improve production practices for strawberries in California. The Manager of PA will report to the Director of Automation Engineering while working closely with the Director of the Strawberry Center.
Requirements
Duties and Responsibilities
Management
§ Manage the day-to-day operations of production automation projects financially supported and conducted by CSC and BRAE.
§ Manage and coordinate the research efforts of the students, engineers, scientists and external collaborators involved in the automation program
§ Lead project groups of Cal Poly students, interns and faculty.
§ Work closely with the Director of the Cal Poly Strawberry Center to help fulfill the mission and goals of the Strawberry Center
§ Represent the CSC in meetings with the administration, faculty, staff and students of Cal Poly
Industry Communication
§ Prepare written research project proposals in response to CSCs annual ‘Request for Proposals’
§ Prepare written annual reports documenting project progress and findings
§ Present research reports at research and industry meetings
Qualifications
PhD, MS, or BS in an engineering field with at least 5 years of applied experience in an engineering field.
Ability to use engineering software such as Java, C++, MATLAB, and Solid Works
Ability to use fabrication tools and equipment
Experience in project management
Experience in leading/coordinating teams of students
Experience in working with startups and venture capital firms desired
Experience in product commercialization
Strong written and spoken communication skills
Experience in producing communication materials to deliver project findings to the strawberry industry
Competency using a computer to prepare reports and presentations (MS programs: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with a willingness to learn additional skills
Able to work independently and proactively while maintaining a strong team perspective
Able to travel (usually by car) extensively within California to the strawberry production regions to manage research projects and attend grower meetings
Must live in or be willing to relocate to San Luis Obispo
Ability to communicate in Spanish desirable, but not required
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The California Strawberry Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment) against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), domestic violence, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. We will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination or harassment by any employee, including supervisors and co-workers. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and all areas of employment including, but not limited to hiring, recruitment, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and training. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled applicants and employees as well as pregnant employees upon request.
