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Crop Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KWS SAAT SE

Station Technician Champaign

Champaign, IL · On-site

$25.50 - $28/hr

Breeding resilient crops requires diversity; likewise, our strength comes from the diversity of our teams. Whatever your background or identity is, we invite you to join us. Further information:

Enza Zaden

Crop Worker

San Juan Bautista, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Participation in all crop care, seed extraction, cleaning and/or breeding support activities. * Daily functional guidance of seasonal workers. * Co-responsible for a healthy and safe working ...

NCSU

Research Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

The department's mission is to develop future leaders in crop, soil and environmental sciences ... Essential Job Duties Join the Cotton Genetics and Breeding Lab and contribute to research that ...

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$99K

How much do crop breeding jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for crop breeding in the United States is $69,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $94,000.00 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.

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Cities with the most Crop Breeding job openings:

What states have the most Crop Breeding jobs?

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

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Crop Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crop Breeding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,416 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Research Technician (Plant Breeding)

Michigan Blueberry Growers Association

Grand Junction, MI • On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Description:

Position Purpose

The Research Technician is responsible for closely working with the breeders to develop proprietary varieties of northern and southern highbush blueberries for Berry Blue, LLC. In this position, you will perform a variety of tasks applicable to plant breeding however, your main responsibilities will be collecting and organizing plant samples and data, optimizing phenotyping protocols, assisting in the development and improvement of breeding tools, designing, and executing research experiments, and performing laboratory activities.


Organizational Relationships

Direct Supervisor: Plant Breeding Manager

Significant Relationships: Berry Blue Team and Horticulture

Org Management: Plant Breeding Manager and Director of Berry Blue


Locations

1.  Grand Junction, MI


Accountabilities and Responsibilities

1. Collect, organize, and process tissue samples for DNA extraction for genomic and marker assisted breeding efforts.

2. Assist with evaluation of breeding blocks and collect phenotypic data on breeding populations such as fruit quality (parameters include pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, etc.) and other relevant traits including insect and disease resistance.

3. Assist in the selection of promising individuals for advancement to further stages of evaluation and commercialization.

4. Consolidate, upload, and assist with the analysis of phenotypic data.

5. Assist with the optimization of phenotyping protocols.

6. Execute controlled pollinations based on the crosses designed by the breeders.

7. Assist with record keeping and management of breeding database.

8. Understand basic breeding concepts and strategies as well as crop and pest management and their application in blueberry.

9. Assist with the daily operation of greenhouse and field trial sites, and plant care and maintenance including but not limited to sowing, transplanting, plant propagation, watering, fertilizing, hedging, inventory, monitoring of research field/trial sites for weeds, insects, disease development, soil & plant tissue sampling, field mapping, and tagging of plants.

10. Report and inform supervisor of concerns in a timely manner.

11. Prepare and present reports and summaries.

12. Other projects assigned by manager.

Requirements:

 Qualifications and Skills Required

1. Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or closely related field.

2. Experience in field sample and data collection, and laboratory/research activities is preferred.

3. Able to grasp new concepts quickly.

4. Genuine interest in contributing to the development of next generation blueberry cultivars.

5. Able to work independently and in a team.

6. Demonstrated attention to detail.

7. Excellent time management and organizational skills.

8. Knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.

9. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

10. Flexibility with job requirements and location.

11. Weekend and holiday work may be required.


Physical Demand (With or without accommodations)

1. Must be available on weekends and prepared for a 40+ hours of work (as the business need requires).

2. Must be able to work in all weather conditions.

3. Travel to various field sites (in and out of state).

4. Current and valid driver’s license is required. 

5. Must be able to lift and carry 25-50lbs.


Location: Grand Junction, MI

Hours: Full-time, Exempt