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Genetics Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a related field. * Knowledge of dairy or beef cattle production preferred. * Technical and Scientific ...

D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field (plant sciences, genetics, plant breeding or related disciplines) and provide evidence all requirements have been meet for the completion of the Ph.

Typically 5+ years of relevant experience in plant breeding and genetics (graduate-level experience acceptable). * Proven success as a Breeder with demonstrated advancement of varieties and effective ...

CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Typically 5+ years of relevant experience in plant breeding and genetics (graduate-level experience acceptable). * Proven success as a Breeder with demonstrated advancement of varieties and effective ...

Carry out breeding program activities, including making critical plant and line selections at key stages of the breeding cycle to ensure genetic advancement and program success. * Maintain detailed ...

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a related field. * Knowledge of dairy or beef cattle production preferred. * Technical and Scientific ...

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a related field. * Knowledge of dairy or beef cattle production preferred. * Technical and Scientific ...

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a related field. * Knowledge of dairy or beef cattle production preferred. * Technical and Scientific ...

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a related field. * Knowledge of dairy or beef cattle production preferred. * Technical and Scientific ...

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a related field. * Knowledge of dairy or beef cattle production preferred. * Technical and Scientific ...

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a related field. * Knowledge of dairy or beef cattle production preferred. * Technical and Scientific ...

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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 4, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,615 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Agronomist (Farm Manager)

Work With Us : USDA ARS

Prairie Du Sac, WI • On-site

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

This position is located within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center (USDFRC), in Prairie du Sac, WI.
The purpose of this position is to serve as the superintendent of the USDFRC research farm. The incumbent will provide effective and efficient management of the resources in support of the dairy forage research program.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Basic Requirements for Agronomy Series, 0471
1.Degree: agronomy; or related discipline of science that included at least 30 semester hours of course work in the basic plant sciences, including at least 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, such as those dealing with plant breeding, crop production, and soil and crop management.
OR
2. Combination of education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Graduate Education: Agronomy, or one of the related disciplines or fields of science, such as plant physiology, soils, or genetics, where the curriculum or pattern of training placed major emphasis on field crops or agronomy. Graduate study in related fields, such as botany, plant pathology, and biochemistry may also be qualifying, provided it placed a sufficient amount of emphasis on agronomy.
Evaluation of Education: Course work in such subjects as botany, plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant breeding or genetics, plant ecology, plant pathology, microbiology, agronomy, or those dealing with basic soil-water-plant relationships of an agronomic or ecologic nature may be used to meet the 30-semester-hour requirement in the basic plant sciences. Agronomy courses include agronomy, field crops, field crop production or management, soil and crop management, plant breeding and development, weed control, and similar courses, including those in soils, biochemistry, plant physiology, etc., provided they dealt with principles, methods, or procedures that are applied directly in agronomic work and in the solving of agronomic problems.
Additional Requirements
In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below.
GS-11: Applicants must meet one of the following to be qualified at the GS-11 grade level:
Specialized Experience - One year of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-11 level are:
  • Assisting in coordinating or executing agronomic management for producing corn, soybeans, wheat or other row crops or corn silage and alfalfa haylage; AND
  • Assisting in coordinating or executing crop or dairy farm management tasks; AND
  • Keeping farm records, including field crop production and input records; AND
  • Assisting in managing finances for a large-scale crop or dairy production facility.

OR

Education: Successful completion of 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to the duties of the position. Related education may include agronomy, or one of the related disciplines or fields of science, such as plant physiology, soils, or genetics, where the curriculum or pattern of training placed major emphasis on field crops or agronomy. Graduate study in related fields, such as botany, plant pathology, and biochemistry may also be qualifying, provided it placed a significant amount of emphasis on agronomy.
OR
A combination of education and specialized experience as described above.
GS-12: Applicants must meet the following to be qualified at the GS-12 grade level:
Specialized Experience - One year of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-12 level are:
  • Coordinating or executing agronomic management for producing corn, soybeans, and wheat or corn silage and alfalfa haylage; AND
  • Maintaining crop field production and input records; AND
  • Managing finances for a large-scale crop or dairy production facility; AND
  • Performing crop consulting.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER