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Fruit Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cornell University

NY · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... fruit science, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, weed science, pest and/or nutrient management. · Experience in grant writing and overseeing budgets. · Experience in business planning ...

International Society for Horticultural Science

$100 - $125/hr

Home > Careers > Assistant/Associate Professor of Tropical Fruit Crops Assistant/Associate ... Duties and Responsibilities The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an ...

POM Wonderful

Seasonal Fruit Evaluator

Del Rey, CA · On-site

Learn fruit sampling techniques for fruit grading and maturity analysis. * Assist in data entry and management of scientific resources * Training and supervision of seasonal workers. * Frequent ...

Zentis North America

Food Scientist II

Plymouth, IN · On-site

Zentis is Europe's number one fruit processing company and one of the leading brand manufacturers ... The Food Scientist II in Research & Development is responsible for developing new products and ...

Zentis USA

Food Scientist II

Plymouth, IN · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Food Scientist II Plymouth, IN, US 6 days ago Requisition ID: 1550 At Zentis - We are Fruit Masters ... Zentis is Europe's number one fruit processing company and one of the leading brand manufacturers ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$18 - $25/hr

POSITION SPECIFICS The College of Agricultural Sciences, Fruit Research and Extension Center located in Biglerville, PA seeks to hire numerous individuals to fill part-time positions. Positions are ...

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Fruit Scientist information

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$37K

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How much do fruit scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for fruit scientist in the United States is $90,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fruit Scientist vs Plant Pathologist?

AspectFruit ScientistPlant Pathologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Pathology, Plant Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, orchards, agricultural settingsResearch labs, agricultural fields, extension services
Industry UsageFruit production, breeding, quality controlPlant disease management, crop protection
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Fruit Scientists and Plant Pathologists work in agricultural research, Fruit Scientists focus on fruit development, breeding, and quality, whereas Plant Pathologists specialize in diagnosing and managing plant diseases. Both roles often collaborate in crop improvement but differ in their primary focus areas and expertise.

Do fruit scientists make a lot of money?

Fruit scientists, also known as horticultural or plant scientists, typically earn a median salary that varies by experience, education, and location, with many earning between $50,000 and $80,000 annually. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in research or biotechnology can earn higher salaries, especially in research institutions or private industry.

What cities are hiring for Fruit Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Fruit Scientist job openings:

What states have the most Fruit Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Fruit Scientist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Fruit Scientist jobs?

For Fruit Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Fruit Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fruit Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,961 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Fruit Specialist - Riverhead, NY

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Cornell University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Cornell Universityexternal

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver research-based educational programs focused on sustainable production practices, pest and disease management, climate resiliency, soil and nutrient management, vineyard and orchard management, labor efficiency, and emerging technologies.

  • Facilitate on-farm demonstrations, applied research trials, and industry collaborations related to wine grape, tree fruit, and small fruit cultivation.

  • Seek grant funding and manage program resources and budgets to support the position and program activities.

Job description

A wide variety of agricultural commodities thrive in Long Island’s maritime climate including fruits, vegetables, field ornamentals and greenhouse crops. Agriculture plays a large role in the tourist economy of the East End of Long Island as visitors patronize wineries, farmstands, U‑pick operations and agri‑tainment businesses. This position will focus on applied research and educational support for wine grape, tree fruit and small fruit growers.

The time dedicated to each commodity area will be approximately 70% for wine grape, 15% for tree fruit and 15% for small fruit, respectively.

This person will develop and deliver research‑based educational programs focused on sustainable production practices, pest and disease management, climate resiliency, soil and nutrient management, vineyard and orchard management, labor efficiency and emerging technologies. Research and demonstration projects will be located at the Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center in Riverhead, a Cornell University 70‑acre farm. The Educator will also facilitate on‑farm demonstrations, applied research trials and industry collaborations, and serve as a subject‑matter resource to program committees, CCE staff, Cornell University specialists, clientele, agencies, press and other groups on a local and regional basis.

Responsibilities also include seeking grant funding and managing program resources and budgets in support of the position and program’s activities.

Required Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in horticulture or agriculture with emphasis on plant physiology, production, and/or pest management.
  • Relevant experience in cooperative extension or equivalent educational experience in an academic, organizational or industry setting.
  • Experience and ability to work independently with minimum supervision and as part of a team member with staff, cooperating agencies and Suffolk County personnel.
  • Demonstrated leadership and management abilities for supervising staff.
  • Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual channels; and verbally and in writing with external partners, program participants, employees and others.
  • Proficiency with computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheet and data entry, information access and data analysis.
  • Ability to practice sound, ethical judgment when representing CCE Suffolk to ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to policy, legal and safety requirements.
  • Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying climatic and field conditions common to farm operations and horticultural work environments.
  • Ability to design, conduct and interpret scientifically sound experiments.
  • Possession of, or able to obtain, a NYS Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Two years of experience in Cooperative Extension.
  • Two years of experience in the field of viticulture, tree fruit and/or small fruit.
  • Course work in viticulture, fruit science, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, weed science, pest and/or nutrient management.
  • Experience in grant writing and overseeing budgets.
  • Experience in business planning, labor issues, energy and environmental stewardship as related to the respective industries.
Position Details

Salary: $72,000 annual. Schedule: EXEMPT – Reg: 40hr/wk. No relocation or VISA sponsorship available.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

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