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Entry Level Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ohalo

Agronomy & Field Trial Technician

Aptos, CA

$24 - $33/hr

... entry-level, hands-on role ideal for someone eager to build a career in field research and breeding ... Coursework or hands-on experience in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, or a related field.

Ohalo

Agronomy & Field Trial Technician

Watsonville, CA

$24 - $33/hr

... entry-level, hands-on role ideal for someone eager to build a career in field research and breeding ... Coursework or hands-on experience in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, or a related field.

Ohalo

Agronomy & Field Trial Technician

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

... entry-level, hands-on role ideal for someone eager to build a career in field research and breeding ... Coursework or hands-on experience in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, or a related field.

Ohalo

Agronomy & Field Trial Technician

Corralitos, CA

$24 - $33/hr

... entry-level, hands-on role ideal for someone eager to build a career in field research and breeding ... Coursework or hands-on experience in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, or a related field.

All JobsPlant Breeding JobsEntry Level Plant Breeding Jobs

Entry Level Plant Breeding information

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How much do entry level plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level plant breeding in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level plant breeding job?

An entry level plant breeding job typically involves assisting senior plant breeders in developing new plant varieties by conducting field trials, collecting and analyzing data, and helping with laboratory tasks. Individuals in this role may also assist with cross-pollination, seed planting, and monitoring plant growth. This position is a great starting point for those interested in agricultural science, genetics, or crop improvement, and provides hands-on experience in both lab and field environments. Entry level plant breeding jobs often require a background in biology, agriculture, or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Plant Breeder, and why are they important?

To excel as an Entry Level Plant Breeder, you need a foundational understanding of genetics, plant biology, and agronomy, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in plant science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as R or SAS), and experience with field trials are commonly required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, successful breeding outcomes, and productive collaboration in research-driven environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plant Breeding vs Entry Level Plant Pathology?

AspectEntry Level Plant BreedingEntry Level Plant Pathology
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Plant Science, Genetics, or related field; some roles may prefer internshipsBachelor's in Plant Science, Microbiology, or related field; lab experience beneficial
Work EnvironmentResearch farms, seed companies, agricultural labsLaboratories, research institutions, agricultural companies
Industry UsageCrop improvement, seed production, biotechnologyDisease diagnosis, plant health research, crop protection

Entry Level Plant Breeding focuses on developing new plant varieties through genetic selection, often working outdoors or in breeding facilities. Entry Level Plant Pathology involves studying plant diseases and developing management strategies, primarily in lab or research settings. Both roles require a background in plant sciences and are essential in agriculture, but they differ in focus and work environment.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for an Entry Level Plant Breeding position?

As an Entry Level Plant Breeder, your daily tasks often involve assisting senior breeders with field trials, collecting and recording plant characteristic data, and preparing plant samples for analysis. You may also participate in planting, pollinating, and harvesting crops, as well as maintaining detailed records in both laboratory and field settings. Collaboration with research teams and agricultural staff is common, and attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential for success in this role.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Plant Breeding jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Plant Breeding job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Breeding jobs? The most popular types of Plant Breeding jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Plant Breeding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Plant Breeding jobs are:
Entry Level Plant Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plant Breeding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Biostatistics Scientist (Plant Science)

Sakata Seed America, INC.

Woodland, CA • On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description


JOB SUMMARY

The Biostatistics Scientist supports applied statistical analysis, quantitative genetics, and breeding analytics for vegetable crop research programs. This entry-level role contributes to genomic, phenotypic, and field-trial data analysis under the guidance of senior scientists, managers and cross-functional project teams. The position helps develop reliable, reproducible analytical workflows that improve trait evaluation, marker-assisted selection, genomic prediction, and data-driven breeding decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Statistical Analysis, Quantitative Genetics & Genomic Prediction

  • Support the development, testing, and interpretation of statistical and genomic prediction models for vegetable crop breeding programs.
  • Apply standard statistical and quantitative genetics methods, such as mixed models, heritability estimation, genetic correlations, and basic genomic prediction approaches.
  • Assist with evaluating model performance, prediction accuracy, and data quality across populations, environments, and breeding stages.
  • Contribute to analyses that help breeders understand trait variation, experimental results, and selection opportunities.
  • Document methods, assumptions, code, and results clearly to support reproducibility and team review.

Molecular Marker & Trait Analytics

  • Analyze molecular marker datasets, including SNP and haplotype data, to support trait mapping, marker validation, and breeding decisions.
  • Assist molecular and breeding teams with data summaries for marker development, marker deployment, and trait evaluation projects.
  • Support quality control of genotypic and phenotypic datasets, including data cleaning, formatting, consistency checks, and basic exploratory analysis.
  • Help prepare selection metrics, trait summaries, and visualizations that integrate multiple sources of breeding data.
  • Translate analytical results into concise summaries that can be reviewed by breeders, molecular scientists, and project teams.

Genomic, Phenotypic & Field Trial Data Analysis

  • Prepare, manage, and analyze genomic, phenotypic, greenhouse, and field-trial datasets under guidance from senior team members.
  • Develop and maintain reproducible scripts for data quality control, statistical analysis, visualization, and reporting.
  • Contribute to the improvement of analytical templates, reporting workflows, and shared data practices in collaboration with bioinformatics and data teams.

Project Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Support analytical components of breeding, trait development, molecular marker, and technology projects.
  • Collaborate with breeders, phenotyping, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and data teams to understand project objectives and data requirements.
  • Prepare clear technical summaries, tables, figures, and presentations to communicate results to internal stakeholders.
  • Learn and apply current methods in biostatistics, quantitative genetics, breeding analytics, and reproducible scientific computing.


Required Qualifications

Education

  • PhD in Biostatistics, Statistics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Computational Biology, Data Science, or a related field; industry experience a plus
    or
  • MS in Biostatistics, Statistics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Computational Biology, Data Science, or a related field with 0–2 years of relevant academic, internship; industry experience a plus


Experience & Technical Skills

  • Foundational training in statistics, biostatistics, quantitative genetics, plant breeding, computational biology, or related analytical disciplines.
  • Experience with statistical analysis of biological, genomic, phenotypic, field-trial, or experimental datasets through graduate research, internships, or applied projects.
  • Working knowledge of statistical programming in R, Python, SAS, or similar tools.
  • Good understanding of experimental design, mixed models, regression, data visualization, and reproducible analytical workflows.
  • Experience with molecular markers, genomic data, plant breeding concepts, or trait analysis is desirable.
  • Ability to learn new methods, manage multiple analytical tasks, and deliver accurate results with guidance.
  • Strong attention to detail, scientific curiosity, communication skills, and willingness to collaborate across disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Research experience in plant breeding, seed industry research, agricultural biotechnology, or applied life-science data analysis.
  • Experience in genomic prediction, QTL mapping, GWAS, marker-assisted selection, or trait discovery workflows.
  • Familiarity with breeding databases, phenotyping systems, laboratory information systems, or integrated data platforms.
  • Experience preparing figures, tables, dashboards, or technical reports for scientific or cross-functional audiences.
  • Exposure to cloud-based, Linux, Git, or high-performance computing environments for data analysis.
  • Interest in applying AI, machine learning, and modern statistical methods to practical breeding and research questions.

Competencies & Behaviors

  • Demonstrates curiosity, initiative, and accountability in learning new analytical methods and scientific workflows.
  • Applies statistical methods carefully, with attention to data quality, assumptions, and reproducibility.
  • Works collaboratively with scientists from breeding, molecular biology, phenotyping, bioinformatics, and data teams.
  • Communicates analytical results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Manages assigned tasks effectively, asks timely questions, and follows through on deliverables.
  • Contributes to a culture of scientific rigor, continuous improvement, teamwork, and practical problem solving.

Reporting Structure

  • Reports to Senior Biotech Manager

Works under the guidance of senior scientists, project leads, and cross-functional research teams

BENEFITS:

Health & Wellness
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Monthly Wellness Stipend
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Philanthropic Giving Program

Disability Insurance (plans vary by location)


Financial Benefits
401(k) Program + Company Match
Profit Sharing Program (via 401(k)

Holiday Bonus

Performance Incentive Bonus Program
Tuition Reimbursement

529 College‑Savings Plan
Company-Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance


Time Off & Flexibility
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
15 Paid Company Holidays
2 Floating Holidays

Birthday Off