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Full Time Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ball Horticultural

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$110/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Ball FloraPlant is seeking a Plant Breeder with deep experience in vegetatively propagated ornamental crops. Reporting to the North American Breeding Director, this ...

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Ball Horticultural Company

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description Ball FloraPlant is seeking a Plant Breeder with deep experience in vegetatively propagated ornamental crops. Reporting to the North American Breeding Director, this ...

Hopsteiner

Associate Breeding Project Lead

Yakima, WA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Hopsteiner is seeking a ... Manage biological entities, plant inventory, and technical data within R&D information systems.

KWS SAAT SE

Seed Processing Line Operator

Tangent, OR · On-site

$23.28/hr

We are currently looking for a full-time permanent Seed Processing Line Operator , where the main ... It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet, corn, cereals ...

KWS SAAT SE

Mechanical Maintenance Lead

Tangent, OR · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Join our team located at our Tangent, Oregon as a full-time permanent Mechanical Maintenance Lead ... It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet, corn, cereals ...

KWS SAAT SE

Seed Processing Manager

Tangent, OR · On-site

... (full-time, permanent) who will be responsible for general supervision of all phases of plant ... It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet, corn, cereals ...

KWS SAAT SE

Farming Technician Moorhead

Moorhead, MN · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

KWS Seeds, LLC is looking for a permanent full-time Farming Technician to join our team at our ... It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet, corn, cereals ...

Johnny's Selected Seeds

Pollination Crew

Albion, ME · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

This position is full-time and seasonal/temporary. This position is based on the Albion research ... Plant Breeding Technicians. Education · All levels of education are welcome to apply.

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Full Time Plant Breeding information

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How much do full time plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Plant Breeder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Plant Breeder, you need a solid background in genetics, plant science, and agronomy, typically supported by a degree in plant breeding or a related field. Familiarity with molecular breeding tools, statistical analysis software, and laboratory and field trial systems is often required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you work efficiently with research teams and convey findings. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing improved plant varieties and ensuring successful breeding programs that address agricultural challenges.

What does a typical day look like for someone in a full-time plant breeding role?

A typical day for a full-time plant breeder often involves a mix of fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data management. You might spend your mornings inspecting crop trials, recording observations on plant traits, and collecting samples. Afternoons can include analyzing genetic data, planning breeding strategies, and collaborating with agronomists, pathologists, and other team members to optimize plant performance. Routine activities also involve maintaining detailed records and preparing reports on breeding progress and outcomes. This role is highly collaborative and often requires adapting to seasonal demands and project timelines.

What is a full time plant breeding job?

A full time plant breeding job involves working as a professional focused on developing new and improved plant varieties. Plant breeders use genetics, biotechnology, and traditional breeding techniques to enhance plant traits such as yield, disease resistance, or climate adaptability. These roles are typically found in agricultural companies, research institutions, or universities, and require expertise in biology, genetics, or related fields. Full time positions often include both laboratory and fieldwork, as well as data analysis and collaboration with other scientists.

What is the difference between Full Time Plant Breeding vs Full Time Agronomist?

AspectFull Time Plant BreedingFull Time Agronomist
Primary FocusDeveloping new plant varieties through genetic selectionOptimizing crop production and management practices
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, Genetics, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Agronomy, Agriculture, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, breeding stations, field trialsFarms, research facilities, consulting
Industry UsageSeed companies, research institutions, biotech firmsFarming operations, agricultural companies, government agencies

While both roles involve working in agriculture, Full Time Plant Breeding focuses on developing new plant varieties through genetic research, whereas Full Time Agronomists concentrate on crop management and improving farming practices. Both careers require relevant degrees and often overlap in research settings, but their core objectives differ significantly.

More about Full Time Plant Breeding jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Plant Breeding jobs? Cities with the most Full Time 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 states have the most Full Time Plant Breeding jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Plant Breeding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Plant Breeding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Plant Breeding jobs are:
Full Time Plant Breeding jobs near you
Plant Breeder

Plant Breeder

Ball Horticultural

Guadalupe, CA • On-site

$110/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Ball FloraPlant is seeking a Plant Breeder with deep experience in vegetatively propagated ornamental crops. Reporting to the North American Breeding Director, this role is well suited for a breeder who enjoys owning programs end-to-end-from setting breeding direction through variety release-while staying closely connected to the work itself.
The Plant Breeder will lead breeding strategy for assigned crops, make advancement decisions, and ensure new varieties are differentiated, and market relevant. Based at Guadalupe, California, the role requires strong communication, collaboration, and sound judgment to move ideas efficiently from breeding to commercial reality.
Key Responsibilities

  • Lead breeding programs for high-value vegetatively propagated crops from germplasm development through commercial release.
  • Set breeding priorities and make advancement decisions that balance innovation, risk, and time-to-market.
  • Stay hands-on with breeding activities while mentoring one direct report and supporting technical development.
  • Translate grower, market, and production needs into clear, actionable breeding targets.
  • Drive steady progress in trial performance, selection quality, and release readiness.
  • Apply modern breeding tools and data-driven approaches to improve efficiency and decision-making.
  • Work closely with production, supply chain, pathology, and product teams to ensure varieties are scalable and reliable.
  • Travel (~25%) to review trials, engage with growers, and stay connected to global market trends.
Requirements
  • Ph.D. with 5+ years, M.S. with 6+ years, or B.S. with 9+ years of applied experience in clonal ornamental breeding or related crops.
  • Proven track record of owning breeding programs and delivering commercially successful varieties.
  • Strong foundation in plant breeding, genetics, and applied use of modern breeding tools.
  • Comfortable making clear decisions and trade-offs in real-world, production-focused environments.
  • Collaborative communicator who connects technical work to practical outcomes.
  • Willingness to relocate to Guadalupe, CA, and travel domestically and internationally.
  • Strategic program ownership and prioritization
  • Clear, adaptable communication across functions
  • Commercial and market-focused thinking
  • Sound decision-making in dynamic environments
  • Collaborative, practical problem-solving
Salary Range: $110-145k
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to lift to 40 lbs.
  • Ability to work in hot and cold temperature environments
  • Ability to see and manipulate small objects (flower parts)
  • Must possess the ability to walk and maneuver through the greenhouse and in between benches and stand for long periods of time.
Why This Role | Why Ball FloraPlant
Ball Flora Plant brings differentiated genetics to the global ornamental market through innovation, quality, and strong breeder ownership. Our success is built on creating plants that stand out-visually, technically, and commercially.
This role offers the opportunity to own meaningful breeding work from early concept through commercial release in an environment where originality matters and decisions have real impact. You'll work closely with production and commercial teams to ensure new varieties are both distinctive and successful in the market. For breeders motivated by innovation, accountability, and seeing their work grown worldwide, Ball FloraPlant offers a compelling place to design and deliver great genetics.
Our promise to you:
We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable.
In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:
  • Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
  • 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
  • Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
  • Tuition assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs

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