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Contract Plant Breeder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Tucson, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Akron, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Tempe, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

SD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Columbia, MO · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Arlington, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Hartford, CT · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Florence, SC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Austin, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Boston, MA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Lubbock, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

KS · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsContract Plant Breeder Jobs

Contract Plant Breeder information

See salary details

$41.5K

$99.9K

$143K

How much do contract plant breeder jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract plant breeder in the United States is $99,873.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract plant breeder?

Contract plant breeders are professionals who develop new plant varieties or improve existing ones, typically under contract for agricultural companies, research institutions, or seed producers. Their work involves selecting, crossing, and testing plants to enhance traits such as yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability. Unlike in-house plant breeders, contract plant breeders work on specific projects for clients, often providing expertise on a temporary or project basis. They play a vital role in advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. Career paths in this field usually require a background in plant science, genetics, or agronomy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract plant breeder?

To thrive as a Contract Plant Breeder, you need a strong background in plant genetics, crop science, and experimental design, often supported by a degree in agronomy or plant breeding. Familiarity with data analysis software, molecular marker technologies, and breeding management systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with clients and research teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing improved plant varieties that meet specific contract requirements and contribute to agricultural innovation.

What are some common challenges contract plant breeders face when working with multiple clients or projects simultaneously?

Contract Plant Breeders often juggle multiple breeding projects for different clients, each with unique goals, crops, and timelines. A key challenge is managing the diverse expectations and ensuring clear communication with each client. Prioritizing tasks, maintaining accurate records, and adapting to varying project scopes are essential to meet deliverables on time. Additionally, Contract Plant Breeders must stay updated on intellectual property guidelines to protect both client and breeder interests while collaborating with research teams, technicians, and external partners.

What is the difference between Contract Plant Breeder vs Plant Geneticist?

AspectContract Plant BreederPlant Geneticist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, Breeding, or related fieldMaster's or Ph.D. in Genetics, Plant Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentField and laboratory, focusing on breeding programsLaboratory and research settings, focusing on genetic analysis
Employer & Industry UsageSeed companies, agricultural firms, research institutionsUniversities, research institutes, biotech companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding breeding roles and responsibilitiesUnderstanding genetic research and analysis roles

Contract Plant Breeders focus on developing new plant varieties through breeding programs, often working in the field and lab. Plant Geneticists analyze plant DNA and genetics to improve crop traits. While both roles require knowledge of plant science, Contract Plant Breeders typically have more practical breeding experience, whereas Plant Geneticists focus on genetic research and analysis.

More about Contract Plant Breeder jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Plant Breeder jobs?

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What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Breeder jobs?

The most popular types of Plant Breeder jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Plant Breeder jobs?

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Contract Plant Breeder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Plant Breeder job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,873 per year, or $48 per hour.

Horticulturist

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Arlington, VA

$102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This position is located in the U.S. Department of War (DoW) Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), Facilities Services Directorate (FSD). The FOSD is responsible for the administration and operation of facilities and services owned or operated by the DoW in the National Capital Region (NCR). The incumbent of this position serves as natural resource management specialist and works under the general administrative supervision of the RES Branch Manager.
Qualifications:In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below.
Basic Requirements

  1. Degree: horticulture; or a related discipline of basic plant science that included at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, of which at least 16 semester hours were in horticultural subjects such as those dealing with the breeding, care, management, production, and post-harvest handling of horticultural crops.

    OR

  2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in horticulture or a related discipline of basic plant science that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Evaluation of Education: Courses in botany, plant physiology, plant taxonomy, plant pathology, genetics, agronomy, horticulture, and similar courses may be used to meet the 30-semester-hour requirement in basic plant sciences.

The 16-semester-hour requirement in horticulture includes course work in basic horticulture and course work related to any of the recognized subject-matter fields of horticulture, i.e., fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, nursery work, seed production, or course work in related areas of science, such as micro-biology, entomology, plant pathology, plant physiology, or genetics that is directly related to horticultural work.

AND
You may qualify at the GS-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal Service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) which has given me the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties related to the position being filled. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Developing technical specifications for landscape projects- administering contracts by evaluating contractor performance against quality standards; 2) Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies; and 3) Analyzing environmental compliance requirements to provide technical recommendations that ensure adherence to regulations such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume.
Your resume may not exceed two (2) pages. For qualifications determinations, it is recommended that applicants include their months and hours worked per week for each employment listed on their resume. If a determination is not able to be made about the duration of your creditable experience for qualification requirements, you will be removed from consideration.
Read more about what should I include in my federal resume at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, as part of their application package, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, indicating the service member is otherwise eligible and will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of submission. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. This "certification" must include your rank, dates of active duty service, type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable), and date any terminal leave will begin. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible". Members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if they are on terminal leave.Education:Education cannot be substituted for experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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