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Full Time Plant Breeder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ohalo

Greenhouse Technician

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$27/hr

Watsonville, CA Time Type: Full Time The Opportunity: Ohalo is seeking candidates with a passion ... revolutionize plant breeding. Job responsibilities include planting, transplanting, watering ...

Ohalo

Greenhouse Technician

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$27/hr

Watsonville, CA Time Type: Full Time The Opportunity: Ohalo is seeking candidates with a passion ... revolutionize plant breeding. Job responsibilities include planting, transplanting, watering ...

New Mexico state Universoty

Post Doctoral

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: 55,000 Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0 FLSA Status : Exempt ... Experience with plant pathology, plant breeding, plant genetics, crop production, and statistical ...

The Pennsylvania State University

D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field (plant sciences, genetics, plant breeding or ... BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to ...

Ohalo

Global Crop Product Manager

South San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $250K/yr

Global Crop Product Manager Type: Full-time Location: South San Francisco, CA (On-site) - Remote ... breeding progress into varieties growers plant in the field and the food supply chain will adopt.

Ohalo

Global Crop Product Manager

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Global Crop Product Manager Type: Full-time Location: South San Francisco, CA (On-site) - Remote ... breeding progress into varieties growers plant in the field and the food supply chain will adopt.

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Full Time Plant Breeder information

What does a full time plant breeder do?

A Full Time Plant Breeder is a professional who develops new varieties of plants through selective breeding and genetic techniques. Their primary goal is to improve plant traits such as yield, disease resistance, climate adaptability, and quality. They work in laboratories, greenhouses, and fields, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with other scientists. Plant breeders play a critical role in agriculture by ensuring food security and sustainability. Their work may involve both traditional cross-breeding and modern biotechnological methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time plant breeder?

To thrive as a Full Time Plant Breeder, you need a solid background in plant genetics, crop science, and breeding techniques, usually supported by a degree in agronomy, horticulture, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, molecular marker technologies, and breeding management software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and collaboration skills help plant breeders excel in research and teamwork settings. These competencies are crucial for developing improved plant varieties that meet agricultural demands and ensure food security.

What are some common challenges faced by full time plant breeders in their daily work?

Full-time plant breeders often encounter challenges such as managing long breeding cycles, adapting to changing environmental conditions, and ensuring genetic diversity in their programs. They must balance the demands of research, fieldwork, and data analysis, often working closely with agronomists, pathologists, and molecular biologists. Additionally, staying updated with the latest biotechnological advances and regulatory requirements is crucial for success in the role.

What is the difference between Full Time Plant Breeder vs Part Time Plant Breeder?

AspectFull Time Plant BreederPart Time Plant Breeder
Work HoursTypically 40 hours/weekFewer hours, flexible schedule
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Plant Science or related fieldSame as full-time, but may require less formal education
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, greenhouses, field sitesSimilar environments, often with remote or flexible locations
Industry UsageCommon in agricultural and research companiesLess common, often as a supplementary role

Full Time Plant Breeders work regular hours in research and field environments, focusing on developing new plant varieties. Part Time Plant Breeders may work fewer hours with similar responsibilities but on a flexible schedule. The core skills and credentials are similar, but full-time roles typically offer more stability and resources.

Are full time plant breeders in demand?

Full time plant breeders are in demand due to the ongoing need for improved crop varieties, disease resistance, and sustainable agriculture. The role often requires expertise in genetics, plant science, and breeding techniques, with employment opportunities available in research institutions, seed companies, and agricultural organizations.

How much do full time plant breeders get paid?

Full-time plant breeders typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized breeders with advanced degrees can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and research funding.
More about Full Time Plant Breeder jobs

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What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Breeder jobs?

The most popular types of Plant Breeder jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Plant Breeder jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Plant Breeder jobs are:

Full Time Plant Breeder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Plant Breeder job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Field Technician - True Potato Seed Production

Ohalo

Watsonville, CA • On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago

Job description

Location: Watsonville, CA
Department: Seed Production / R&D
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking a detail-oriented Field Technician to support True Potato Seed (TPS) production, with a strong focus on hand-pollination, emasculation, berry development, and seed extraction. Unlike vegetative (tuber) seed potato systems, TPS production relies on controlled sexual crosses between parent clones to produce botanical seed from berries. This role requires precision, patience, and comfort with delicate flower-level work in both field and greenhouse/screenhouse settings.
Key Responsibilities
Pollination & Crossing (Primary Focus)
  • Execute seed production planting in appropriate TPS production location across the US planting sites
  • Collect detailed data and maintain production records fully updated and report information as it happens.
  • Follow the pollen collection and seed production SOPs to ensure high quality outcomes.
  • Collect pollen from designated male parent plants at the correct flowering stage, ensuring viability (fresh collection, proper storage/temperature control)
  • Perform hand-pollination by applying pollen to female flowers according to prescribed crossing designs
  • Tag and label each pollinated flower/truss immediately with cross ID, parent line, and date to maintain traceability through berry set and harvest
  • Monitor flowering synchrony between male and female parent plants and flag timing mismatches to breeders/supervisors
  • Track pollination success rates, fruit (berry) set, and flower drop, recording data in field books or digital data collection tools
  • Monitor berry development and maturity (color change, softening) to determine correct harvest timing
  • Hand-harvest mature berries by cross/truss, keeping strict identity preservation and avoiding cross-contamination between crosses
  • Assist with berry processing: crushing/macerating berries, fermenting pulp, and washing to extract true seed
  • Dry, clean, and package extracted TPS seed lots according to protocol, ensuring accurate labeling for storage and germination testing
  • Support seed viability and germination testing procedures as needed

General Field & Greenhouse Support
  • Assist with planting, transplanting, and maintenance of parent clone plots (field, greenhouse, or screenhouse)
  • Conduct regular field/greenhouse inspections to monitor plant health, flowering stage, and pest/disease pressure
  • Rogue off-type or diseased plants to protect the genetic integrity of parent lines
  • Support isolation requirements between crossing blocks to prevent unwanted pollen contamination
  • Maintain irrigation, staking, and general crop upkeep for parent clone plots
  • Operate small field/greenhouse equipment as needed (sprayers, irrigation systems, hand tools)
  • Maintain meticulous, organized records in compliance with company and regulatory traceability standards
  • Help coordinate seasonal labor during peak flowering, pollination, and berry harvest periods
  • Follow all safety protocols, including proper PPE use when handling crop protection products, seed processing and field crop tasks.
Qualifications
Required:
  • High school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor degree held with agricultural /plant science / seed production background preferred.
  • 3+ years of experience in agriculture, horticulture, plant breeding, seed production, or related fieldwork (internship experience considered)
  • Strong attention to detail and steady hands for fine, flower-level work (emasculation, hand-pollination)
  • Ability to follow precise, protocol-driven procedures and maintain accurate identity-preserved records
  • Comfort working in greenhouse, screenhouse, and/or open field environments
  • Ability to work flexible hours, as flower receptivity and pollen viability are time-sensitive (often early morning)
  • Ability to stand, bend, and work at bench or plant height for extended periods
  • Ability to lift up to 30-50 lbs
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
  • Ability to travel 25% to different TPS production sites, some time up a week or more at times.

Preferred:
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Botany, or related field
  • Prior experience with potato production, TPS/hybrid seed crossing, or other hand-pollinated crop systems
  • Familiarity with breeding nursery protocols, cross/pedigree tracking, or germplasm databases
  • Experience with pollination, seed extraction/fermentation processes and seed cleaning equipment
  • Experience with greenhouse pest/disease scouting and IPM practices
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to perform fine, repetitive hand movements (emasculation, pollen application, tagging) for extended periods
  • Ability to work at bench height and plant height in greenhouse or screenhouse settings, as well as bending/kneeling in open field plots
  • Comfortable working in warm, humid greenhouse conditions as well as variable outdoor weather
  • Ability to walk plot/greenhouse rows repeatedly throughout the day
  • Willingness to work early morning shifts during active flowering/pollination windows

Below is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors including experience, education, skillset, and other relevant qualifications. This range is for the Watsonville, CA location and may be adjusted to the labor market in other geographic areas.
Anticipated compensation: $24-$27/hr
About Ohalo:
Ohalo™ aims to accelerate evolution to unlock nature's potential. Founded in 2019, Ohalo develops novel breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic diversity of crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding™, will usher in a new era of improved productivity to radically transform global agriculture. For more information, visit www.ohalo.com.
Notes: If you previously applied for a job at Ohalo Genetics, we encourage you to restate your interest in the position by submitting your application.
No visa sponsorship is available for this position at this time.
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