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Crop Breeding Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

General Manager, Farm

North Garden, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Plan, direct, and evaluate crop, livestock, and related agricultural production to meet yield, quality, and margin targets. * Oversee planting, growing, harvest, storage, livestock breeding, feeding ...

New

Agricultural Science Tutor

Richmond, VA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ... Skilled at breaking down soil composition analysis, crop rotation planning, and integrated pest ...

Agricultural Science Tutor

Leesburg, VA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ... Skilled at breaking down soil composition analysis, crop rotation planning, and integrated pest ...

Agricultural Science Tutor

Fairfax, VA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ... Skilled at breaking down soil composition analysis, crop rotation planning, and integrated pest ...

Agricultural Science Tutor

Salem, VA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ... Skilled at breaking down soil composition analysis, crop rotation planning, and integrated pest ...

Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ... Skilled at breaking down soil composition analysis, crop rotation planning, and integrated pest ...

Agricultural Science Tutor

Norfolk, VA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ... Skilled at breaking down soil composition analysis, crop rotation planning, and integrated pest ...

Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ... Skilled at breaking down soil composition analysis, crop rotation planning, and integrated pest ...

Crop Breeding information

See Virginia salary details

$24.8K

$68.8K

$98.2K

How much do crop breeding jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for crop breeding in Virginia is $68,820.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $93,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is crop breeding?

Crop breeding is the science and practice of improving plants to develop new varieties with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and improved nutritional quality. Plant breeders use techniques like cross-breeding, selection, and modern genetic tools to combine the best traits from different plants. This process helps create crops that are more productive and better suited to specific environmental conditions, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crop breeder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crop Breeder, you need expertise in plant genetics, agronomy, and data analysis, usually supported by a degree in plant science, genetics, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as molecular markers, gene editing technologies, and statistical software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the development of improved crop varieties, driving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

What are some common challenges faced by crop breeders, and how can they be addressed in the workplace?

Crop breeders often encounter challenges such as managing long breeding cycles, adapting to changing climate conditions, and integrating new technologies like genomics into traditional methods. Addressing these obstacles typically involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, continuous learning, and staying updated on the latest scientific advancements. Employers often support breeders through training, access to advanced lab facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with researchers in genetics, data science, and agronomy, which helps to streamline processes and improve outcomes.

What is the difference between Crop Breeding vs Plant Geneticist?

AspectCrop BreedingPlant Geneticist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Agriculture, Plant Science, or related fields; experience in breeding programsDegree in Genetics, Plant Biology, or related; often advanced degrees for research roles
Work EnvironmentField trials, breeding stations, laboratoriesLaboratories, research institutions, universities
Industry UsageApplied breeding programs to develop new crop varietiesResearch on genetic mechanisms, gene editing, and trait development

While both roles focus on improving plants, Crop Breeding involves practical development of new crop varieties through crossing and selection, often in field settings. Plant Geneticists conduct research on plant genes and traits, often in labs, to understand and manipulate plant genetics. Both are essential in agriculture but differ in their focus and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Crop Breeding jobs in Virginia?

For Crop Breeding jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Crop Breeding jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Crop Breeding jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Crop Breeding job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,820 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

General Manager, Farm

BECO Asset Management

North Garden, VA โ€ข On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Alaron Farms LLC is seeking an experienced General Manager to provide overall leadership, profitability, and day-to-day management of a combined farm, construction, and meat business. This role is responsible for livestock and crop production, construction operations, and the full meat value chain, including scheduling animals for harvest, processing, packaging, inventory, and sale of meat products. The General Manager sets priorities across all three sides of the business, allocates people, equipment, plant capacity, and capital, and ensures farm production, processing dates, construction projects, and customer orders operate as one coordinated company. 

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesOverall Business Leadership
  • Own company-wide profit and loss, including annual budgets, cash flow, pricing, and capital planning.
  • Develop and execute short- and long-term operating plans for both the farm and construction divisions.
  • Set priorities when farm work, meat processing dates, and construction projects compete for labor, equipment, plant time, or cash.
  • Build and maintain relationships with landowners, customers, vendors, lenders, insurers, and regulators.
  • Establish policies, reporting systems, and operational processes that provide ownership with a clear picture of business performance.
  • Identify growth opportunities, including new acreage, new construction markets, equipment utilization, and custom work. 
Farm Operations
  • Plan, direct, and evaluate crop, livestock, and related agricultural production to meet yield, quality, and margin targets.
  • Oversee planting, growing, harvest, storage, livestock breeding, feeding, health, finishing, and movement to processing.
  • Manage land, water, soil fertility, irrigation, and conservation practices.
  • Direct maintenance of farm buildings, fences, drainage systems, roads, grain systems, shops, and related facilities.
  • Supervise farm managers, crew leaders, and seasonal labor while coordinating work plans around weather and operational demands.
  • Control input costs and negotiate supplier terms.
Meat Scheduling, Processing, and Sales
  • Build and manage harvest and processing schedules to ensure livestock are finished, scheduled, and delivered on time.
  • Coordinate live-animal scheduling with farm managers, trucking providers, processors, and company operations.
  • Oversee meat processing operations, including receiving, inspection, fabrication, grinding, packaging, labeling, boxing, and sanitation.
  • Maintain cold-chain integrity from harvest through cooler, freezer, delivery, and customer fulfillment.
  • Manage finished-goods inventory and prevent shrink, freezer burn, and stockouts.
  • Direct meat sales through wholesale accounts, restaurants, retailers, farm store operations, online sales, freezer bundles, and custom-cut programs.
  • Set product mix, pricing, yield targets, and promotions based on demand, carcass yield, and production costs.
  • Ensure compliance with USDA and/or state meat inspection regulations, food-safety programs, labeling requirements, and recall procedures.
  • Track carcass data, yield performance, customer specifications, and margins to maintain quality and profitability. 
Construction Operations
  • Oversee estimating, bidding, contracting, scheduling, and delivery of construction projects.
  • Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to quality and safety standards.
  • Coordinate superintendents, project managers, subcontractors, inspectors, and clients.
  • Manage construction of farm and commercial structures, including barns, shops, storage facilities, roads, utilities, site work, and related infrastructure.
  • Control job costing, change orders, retainage, billing, and project cash flow.
  • Maintain equipment readiness for both agricultural and construction operations while planning purchases, rentals, and repairs. 
People, Safety, and Compliance
  • Hire, train, schedule, coach, and lead employees across farm, processing, sales, and construction operations.
  • Build and maintain a safety-first culture covering OSHA compliance, farm equipment, livestock handling, meat-plant sanitation, chemicals, and construction sites.
  • Ensure compliance with labor, environmental, pesticide, livestock, meat inspection, food safety, building, transportation, and related regulations.
  • Maintain insurance, licensing, bonding, inspections, certifications, and regulatory requirements for all operations. 
Finance and Administration
  • Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets and report results against plan.
  • Approve major purchases, vendor agreements, and contracts within delegated authority.
  • Oversee inventories of parts, fuel, farm inputs, construction materials, live animals, and finished meat products.
  • Support year-end accounting, tax, and lending requirements with accurate records. 
QualificationsRequired
  • 15+ years of progressive management experience in agriculture, meat processing or sales, construction, or a closely related field. Experience spanning more than one of these areas strongly preferred.
  • Proven P&L responsibility and experience supervising farm crews, plant staff, construction crews, and contractors.
  • Working knowledge of livestock finishing and harvest scheduling, meat processing and sales, and construction project delivery.
  • Ability to read financial statements, job-cost reports, and production records and act on them.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel between farm facilities and jobsites.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's or bachelor's degree in agriculture, construction management, agribusiness, or business preferred.
Preferred
  • Experience managing mixed operations involving farming, meat production, custom work, and construction.
  • Hands-on experience with inspected meat plants, custom-exempt processing, or branded meat programs.
  • Familiarity with agricultural construction, including barns, livestock housing, coolers, shops, and site work.
  • OSHA 30, First Aid/CPR, pesticide applicator license, CDL, HACCP, food-safety training, or related certifications.
  • Experience with accounting, lot-tracking, job-costing, precision agriculture, and project-management software.

This is not a desk-only management position. The General Manager plays a hands-on leadership role across farm operations, meat processing and sales, construction projects, equipment management, and business operations. The successful candidate will have significant influence over company performance, growth, profitability, safety, and long-term success while working directly with ownership and operational leaders. 

Applicants must have a stable work history, strong professional references, and the ability to successfully pass a background check and a 4-panel substance screening. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

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