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Genetics Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ohalo

Greenhouse Technician

Watsonville, CA

$27/hr

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 ...

Tamus

Senior Research Associate

College Station, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: -Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis) -Knowledge of plant breeding and genetics principles. -Statistical ...

Syngenta Group

Product Placement Scientist

Aliquippa, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Plant Genetics, or related field, with 3+ years of relevant experience. * Proven expertise in plant variety ...

Syngenta Seeds

Product Placement Scientist

Aliquippa, PA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Plant Genetics, or related field, with 3+ years of relevant experience. * Proven expertise in plant variety ...

New Mexico State University

Post Doctoral

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Experience with plant pathology, plant breeding, plant genetics, crop production, and statistical analysis. Experience working in field and laboratory settings. Experience with student supervision ...

Syngenta

Product Placement Scientist

Aliquippa, PA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Plant Genetics, or related field, with 3+ years of relevant experience. * Proven expertise in plant variety ...

Ohalo

Greenhouse Technician

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$27/hr

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 ...

Ohalo

Greenhouse Technician

Watsonville, CA

$27/hr

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 ...

New Mexico state Universoty

Post Doctoral

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Experience with plant pathology, plant breeding, plant genetics, crop production, and statistical analysis. Experience working in field and laboratory settings. Experience with student supervision ...

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Genetics Plant Breeding information

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How much do genetics plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 is a genetics plant breeding job?

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.

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Genetics Plant Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Genetics Plant Breeding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,615 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Field Technician - True Potato Seed Production

Ohalo

Watsonville, CA • On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days 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.
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