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Full Time Seed Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Type Full-time Description Position Summary The SEED Miami Social Science Teachers will work collaboratively to prepare students for success in college and the global workforce. They will ...

Coordinate onion seed isolation cages, including setup, maintenance, and removal.Plant, harvest ... Work ScheduleThis is a full-time salaried position. Typical hours are eight-hour days, Monday ...

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Successful deployment of true seed requires rigorous variety testing alongside agronomic systems ... Master's degree or higher in Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, Crop Science, or a related ...

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Full Time Seed Science information

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$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do full time seed science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time seed science in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Full Time Seed Science roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Full Time Seed Science often encounter challenges such as maintaining high-quality seed standards, adapting to rapidly changing agricultural technologies, and managing unpredictable environmental factors that affect seed performance. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including agronomists, geneticists, and field technicians—is vital for problem-solving and innovation. Staying updated with the latest research, following strict quality control protocols, and participating in ongoing professional development can help address these challenges effectively while advancing your career in seed science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Seed Science professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Seed Science professional, you generally need a background in plant biology, agronomy, or a related field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, seed testing equipment, and data management systems is typically required, along with certifications such as Registered Seed Technologist (RST) where applicable. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this field. These competencies ensure accurate seed analysis, compliance with industry standards, and the advancement of agricultural productivity.

What are Full Time Seed Science jobs?

Full Time Seed Science jobs involve working in the field of seed research, production, and technology on a full-time basis. Professionals in this area may work on breeding new plant varieties, improving seed quality, conducting laboratory tests, or managing seed production operations. These roles can be found in agricultural companies, research institutions, seed companies, and government agencies. Individuals in these positions typically have backgrounds in plant science, agronomy, biology, or related fields. The work is essential for ensuring high crop yields, food security, and agricultural innovation.

What is the difference between Full Time Seed Science vs Seed Technologist?

AspectFull Time Seed ScienceSeed Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, or related field; certifications may enhance prospectsSimilar educational background; certifications like ISTA or ISTA-approved seed testing certifications are common
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, seed production facilities, field testing sitesSeed testing labs, quality control facilities, production plants
Industry UsageResearch institutions, seed companies, agricultural organizationsSeed testing labs, seed production companies, quality assurance departments

Full Time Seed Science professionals focus on research, development, and quality assessment of seeds, often working in labs and research settings. Seed Technologists primarily perform seed testing, quality control, and certification tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ slightly, with Seed Technologists more involved in testing and quality assurance processes.

More about Full Time Seed Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Seed Science jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Seed Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Seed Science jobs? The most popular types of Seed Science jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Seed Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Seed Science jobs include:
Infographic showing various Full Time Seed Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Seed Quality Testing Lead

Ball Horticultural Company

West Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Ball Horticultural Company is seeking an experienced Seed or Plant Physiologist to lead the development, validation, and continuous improvement of seed testing methodologies and performance diagnostics across our global operations.
As the technical authority on seed quality evaluation, this role combines seed physiology, advanced testing technologies, and data-driven analytics to improve seed performance and grower success. The successful candidate will investigate seed performance challenges, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and develop next-generation testing systems that enhance prediction of field and greenhouse performance.
This position partners closely with Research, Quality, Operations, Seed Technology, Product Management, Sales, and key customers to translate scientific insights into measurable product and process improvements.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Seed Testing Method Development & Innovation
  • Lead the design, validation, and continuous improvement of seed testing methodologies, including germination, purity, vigor, stress tolerance, emergence, and predictive performance assays.
  • Evaluate and implement emerging technologies such as AI-driven imaging, automation, digital phenotyping, and advanced analytics.
  • Develop global standards for testing protocols, interpretation of results, and reproducibility across locations.
  • Ensure testing methodologies align with Ball's quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Partner with key customers and external stakeholders to validate methodologies and performance outcomes.

Global Seed Testing Leadership
  • Provide technical oversight for seed testing operations across Ball's global testing network.
  • Ensure facilities, equipment, and capabilities support consistent and reliable execution of testing protocols.
  • Review, improve, and maintain testing procedures, documentation, and standard operating procedures.
  • Train and develop technical staff on best practices in seed evaluation, growing culture, scouting, and identification of abnormal or inconsistent performance.

Internal Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Build strong partnerships with Product Management, Field Technical Teams, and strategic customers.
  • Translate customer feedback and field observations into actionable testing improvements and product enhancements.
  • Collaborate closely with Seed Technology, Pathology, Diagnostics, Production Research, and Operations teams.
  • Support data-driven decision-making and the adoption of new technologies in delivering cross-functional project goals.

Quality Claims & Technical Support
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in evaluating and resolving seed quality claims.
  • Support Sales, Customer Service, and Technical teams by diagnosing issues, communicating findings, and recommending solutions that improve customer success.
  • Establish feedback systems that capture real-world performance data and incorporate findings into product and process improvements.
  • Coordinate targeted research projects to address emerging performance challenges and support new product development.

Data Analytics & Predictive Performance Modeling
  • Monitor and evaluate commercial seed inventory quality and performance trends.
  • Utilize predictive analytics to identify anomalies, assess risk, and guide decision-making regarding lot quality and release.
  • Develop tools and processes that improve forecasting of seed performance under commercial growing conditions.
  • Advance the integration of automated data collection, digital evaluation systems, and performance analytics across the seed testing platform.

Requirements
Education
  • Ph.D. or M.S. in Seed Science, Seed Physiology, Plant Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, or a closely related discipline.
  • Candidates with a Plant Pathology background should possess significant seed quality, seed health, or seed physiology experience.
  • Applied research experience in seed quality, seed enhancement technologies, post-harvest handling, or seed performance evaluation is strongly preferred.

Experience
  • 8-15+ years of progressive experience in seed physiology, seed technology, seed quality research, or related scientific disciplines.
  • Demonstrated success developing, validating, and interpreting seed testing methodologies and performance assessments.
  • Proven experience improving seed germination, vigor, emergence, and stand establishment through scientific investigation and applied research.
  • Experience translating research findings into operational improvements, quality systems, and commercial outcomes.
  • Experience with horticultural crops, vegetable seeds, ornamental crops, or other high-value seed systems is strongly preferred.
  • Experience working within cross-functional environments, partnering with research, production, quality, operations, and commercial teams.

Technical Expertise
  • Deep understanding of:
  • Seed germination physiology, dormancy, and vigor assessment
  • Seed aging, stress physiology, and emergence biology
  • Seed quality evaluation and predictive performance testing
  • Hands-on experience with:
  • Seed testing systems, protocols, and laboratory operations
  • Seed enhancement technologies, including priming, coating, pelleting, and related treatments
  • Experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of complex biological datasets
  • Preferred experience with advanced technologies, including:
  • Digital imaging systems (RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, and machine vision)
  • Automated testing platforms and digital phenotyping tools
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications for seed quality evaluation and performance prediction
  • Data analytics and predictive modeling tools

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, and use hands/fingers for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments.
  • Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including heat and humidity.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10-15% of the time.

Salary Range: $90K-$110K
Our promise to you:
Ball is a global leader in horticulture: we develop, produce, and sell plants around the world. Our vision is to color the world through our customers. 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
  • An onsite subsidized café overlooking 30 acres of renowned display gardens and ??????
  • restored natural areas
  • Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs