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Entry Level Plant Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Ground Person

Concord, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

This is a unique entry-level opportunity to develop your career in arboriculture through hands-on ... Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Science, Landscape Management, Environmental ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Ground Person

Concord, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

This is a unique entry-level opportunity to develop your career in arboriculture through hands-on ... Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Science, Landscape Management, Environmental ...

Ohalo

Agronomy & Field Trial Technician

Corralitos, CA

$24 - $33/hr

This is an entry-level, hands-on role ideal for someone eager to build a career in field research ... 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

This is an entry-level, hands-on role ideal for someone eager to build a career in field research ... 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

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

Ohalo

Agronomy & Field Trial Technician

Aptos, CA

$24 - $33/hr

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

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Entry Level Plant Science information

What is an entry level plant science job?

Entry level plant science jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the field of plant science, typically requiring a bachelor's degree in plant biology, agriculture, or a related field. These positions may include roles such as research assistant, laboratory technician, greenhouse worker, or field technician. Responsibilities often involve assisting with experiments, collecting and analyzing plant samples, maintaining research equipment, and supporting senior scientists in various projects. These roles provide valuable hands-on experience and are a stepping stone to more advanced careers in plant science.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level plant science professional?

As an entry level plant science professional, you will likely be involved in tasks such as assisting with plant propagation, data collection in field or laboratory settings, monitoring crop growth, and supporting experiments related to plant nutrition or pest management. You may also help maintain research plots, record observations, and prepare samples for analysis. Collaboration with senior scientists and technicians is common, providing valuable learning opportunities and insight into advanced research processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level plant science professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Plant Science professional, you need a solid background in biology or agriculture, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree or coursework. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data collection tools, and basic statistical software is often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These skills ensure accurate experimentation, efficient collaboration, and contribute to successful research or agricultural outcomes.

Is entry level plant science a good degree?

Entry level plant science is a useful degree for careers in agriculture, research, and environmental management. It provides foundational knowledge of plant biology, ecology, and laboratory skills, often requiring internships or certifications for advancement. The degree can lead to roles such as research assistant, horticulturist, or agricultural technician.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Science jobs in California?

The most popular types of Plant Science jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Plant Science jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Plant Science job openings:

Entry Level Plant Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plant Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution.

Biostatistics Scientist (Plant Science)

Sakata Seed America, INC.

Woodland, CA • On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 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