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Genetics Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... breeding efficiency across corn and cereals through innovative, scalable doubled haploid (DH) technologies. This position integrates expertise in plant tissue culture, reproductive biology, genetics ...

... breeding efficiency across corn and cereals through innovative, scalable doubled haploid (DH) technologies. This position integrates expertise in plant tissue culture, reproductive biology, genetics ...

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Genetics Plant Breeding information

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How much do genetics plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for genetics plant breeding in the United States is $21.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Genetics Plant Breeders when developing new crop varieties?

Genetics Plant Breeders often encounter challenges such as managing genetic diversity, addressing unpredictable environmental variables, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. Balancing desirable traits like yield, disease resistance, and drought tolerance while avoiding unintended consequences can be complex. Additionally, collaboration with molecular biologists, agronomists, and farmers is essential to ensure that new varieties are both scientifically robust and practically valuable in real-world conditions.

What Are Genetics and Plant Breeding Jobs?

Plant breeding is the process of using science to improve the genetic potential of crops. You select plants based on research, species, performance data, pedigree, variety, and genetic characteristics to create a better option. You then breed them to produce superior offspring. Progression in this industry helps improve food, shelter, landscaping, eco-systems, and fuel. Your duties vary depending on the job, but they usually involve collecting data, running experiments, studying plant genetics, growing plants, working with a specific crop, and creating reports. You can find positions as a plant breeding director, a research technician, a plant breeder, a project manager, a research scientist, a laboratory director, or a biologist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Genetics Plant Breeding professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Genetics Plant Breeding professional, you need a solid background in plant genetics, crop science, and statistical analysis, typically supported by a degree in plant breeding, genetics, or a related field. Familiarity with molecular marker technologies, bioinformatics tools, and laboratory information management systems is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on research and conveying findings. These skills ensure the development of improved plant varieties, efficient research processes, and successful integration of breeding innovations in agriculture.

What does a Genetics Plant Breeding specialist do?

A Genetics Plant Breeding specialist focuses on improving plants by selecting, crossing, and developing new varieties with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. They use principles of genetics, biotechnology, and traditional breeding methods to create crops that can better meet agricultural and consumer needs. Their work involves laboratory research, field trials, data analysis, and collaboration with other scientists and farmers. Ultimately, their goal is to enhance food security and sustainability through improved plant varieties.

What is the difference between Genetics Plant Breeding vs Plant Geneticist?

AspectGenetics Plant BreedingPlant Geneticist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, Genetics, or related fieldSimilar; often requires advanced degrees in Genetics or Plant Biology
Work EnvironmentResearch farms, laboratories, seed companiesLaboratories, research institutions, biotech companies
Industry UsageDeveloping new plant varieties through breeding techniquesStudying genetic makeup, gene functions, and genetic modification

Both roles focus on plant genetics but differ in approach: Genetics Plant Breeding emphasizes developing new plant varieties through traditional and modern breeding methods, while Plant Geneticists study genetic structures and functions, often working on genetic modification and research. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in plant science.

What cities are hiring for Genetics Plant Breeding jobs? Cities with the most Genetics Plant Breeding job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Genetics Plant Breeding jobs? The most popular types of Genetics Plant Breeding jobs are:
What states have the most Genetics Plant Breeding jobs? States with the most job openings for Genetics Plant Breeding jobs include:
Infographic showing various Genetics Plant Breeding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,615 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Global Director of Product Development

Global Director of Product Development

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

West Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description:

The Global Director of Product Development provides strategic leadership for Ball FloraPlant's Product Development organization, overseeing the development, evaluation, and commercialization of innovative vegetative annual genetics. This role collaborates closely with global breeding, product management, supply chain, sales, and commercial teams to bring new products to market, strengthen Ball FloraPlant's product portfolio, and drive long-term business growth.



Job Responsibilities and Duties

  • Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and professional development through coaching, succession planning, and employee engagement within product management team.
  • Develop and execute the long-term product development strategy in alignment with Ball FloraPlantโ€™s global business objectives.
  • Establish priorities across multiple development initiatives, balancing resources, timelines and commercial opportunities
  • Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Product Development organization and drive continuous improvement initiatives
  • Lead best-in-class greenhouse and outdoor trialing programs, applying strategic mindset and decision quality to evaluate and select new introductions that align with global product specifications and market needs.
  • Identify and implement advanced research techniques for new variety development, cultivating innovation and leveraging internal advanced technology capabilities (Ball Helix) to create differentiated genetics for the product portfolio.
  • Partner with global breeding partners to identify and prioritize breeding objectives, balance stakeholders, and deliver project goals in a timely manner by leveraging internal and external breeding and trialing resources.
  • Oversee the annual operating budget for all Ball FloraPlant R &D cost centers, ensuring accountability, strong resource allocation, and alignment with business priorities.
  • Serve as the liaison among breeding, Ball Helix, supply chain, and the product development team, using organizational savvy and effective collaboration to align cross-functional priorities and drive execution.
Requirements:
  • Minimum of B.S. in horticultural or agricultural science with demonstrated experience in plant breeding across traditional and advanced methods.
  • 10+ Years of progressive experience in plant breeding, product development, or horticultural research, including significant leadership experience managing technical teams
  • Experience managing complex research portfolios, budgets and strategic initiatives.
  • Deep understanding of plant breeding and the global horticulture market, including customer needs, market trends, and competitive dynamics, with the ability to manage complexity, assess tradeoffs, and make sound decisions.
  • Proven ability to lead and inspire breeders and product managers, build strong and engaged teams, develop talent, and collaborate effectively with business leaders across the organization.
  • Experience leading global or cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization preferred.

Salary Range: $140k-$190k


Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 75% of the workday.
  • Ability to walk for up to 20% of the workday.
  • Ability to use hands and fingers for up to 100% of the workday.
  • Ability to reach up to 10% of the workday.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. for up to 10% of the workday.
  • Ability to Domestically and international travel up to 35 to 40% of the time.

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
  • An onsite subsidized cafรฉ overlooking 30 acres of renowned display gardens and restored natural areas
  • Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs