ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Manager Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA

$83K - $120K/yr

Description Plant Breeder I / II - PanAmerican Seed Location: Guadalupe, California - R&D Breeding ... Key Responsibilities Independently manage assigned breeding projects and breeding activities across ...

Ball Horticultural Company

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

Plant Breeder I / II - PanAmerican Seed Location: Guadalupe, California - R&D Breeding Help shape ... Key Responsibilities • Independently manage assigned breeding projects and breeding activities ...

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$83K - $120K/yr

Plant Breeder I / II - PanAmerican Seed Location: Guadalupe, California - R&D Breeding Help shape ... Independently manage assigned breeding projects and breeding activities across multiple seasons.

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA

$83K - $120K/yr

Description Plant Breeder I / II - PanAmerican Seed Location: Guadalupe, California - R&D Breeding ... Key Responsibilities Independently manage assigned breeding projects and breeding activities across ...

Conagra Brands

Assistant Plant Breeder

Brookston, IN

$26.97/hr

Assistant Plant Breeder (Popcorn) Location: Brookston, IN Job Summary: Reporting to the Popcorn ... You will help execute breeding program initiatives, collect and manage research data, maintain seed ...

KWS SAAT SE

Station Technician Champaign

Champaign, IL · On-site

$25.50 - $28/hr

Technical support of the wheat breeding activities in the USA. * Support the Station Manager to ... It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seeds for sugarbeet, corn, cereals ...

Bayer

Field Associate II

Mason, MI · On-site

Delivering the highest quality field data as part of North America's plant breeding R&D pipeline by providing optimal trial management. * Responsible for the implementation of unique and innovative ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPlant Breeding JobsManager Plant Breeding Jobs

Manager Plant Breeding information

See salary details

$31K

$106.4K

$165.5K

How much do manager plant breeding jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager plant breeding in the United States is $106,365.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job with plants?

The highest paying jobs in plant-related fields often include roles such as Plant Breeding Manager, Agronomist, or Plant Geneticist, especially in biotechnology or agricultural corporations. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience, and can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually depending on the industry and location.

How much money do plant breeders make?

Plant breeders, including those in managerial roles, typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized plant breeding managers can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and health insurance, and requires knowledge of plant genetics and breeding techniques.

How much does a horse breeding manager make?

A horse breeding manager typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the operation. The role requires knowledge of equine genetics, breeding techniques, and management skills, often involving overseeing breeding schedules and maintaining health records.

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

To thrive as a Manager Plant Breeding, you need expertise in genetics, plant breeding techniques, and crop science, often supported by a master's or doctoral degree in plant breeding or a related field. Familiarity with breeding software, molecular marker technologies, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure effective breeding program management, innovation, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams to achieve high-yield, resilient crop varieties.

Will AI replace the plant breeder?

AI can assist plant breeders by analyzing large datasets, predicting plant traits, and optimizing breeding strategies, but it does not replace the need for expert knowledge, creativity, and fieldwork. Plant breeding remains a complex process that requires understanding genetics, environment, and crop management. Professionals in this field will increasingly use AI tools to enhance their work but will continue to play a vital role in decision-making and innovation.

What are Manager Plant Breeding jobs?

Manager Plant Breeding jobs involve leading teams and overseeing projects related to the development and improvement of plant varieties. This role typically includes coordinating breeding programs, managing research staff, setting breeding objectives, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Managers in plant breeding work closely with scientists, agronomists, and sometimes commercial partners to develop plants with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, or climate adaptability. The position requires strong leadership skills, a background in agricultural science or genetics, and experience with plant breeding methodologies.

What are the typical challenges a Manager Plant Breeding faces when leading a breeding program?

A Manager Plant Breeding often encounters challenges such as balancing the need for rapid variety development with ensuring genetic diversity and crop resilience. Managing a multidisciplinary team, coordinating field trials across multiple locations, and integrating new technologies like marker-assisted selection can also be demanding. Additionally, the role requires staying up-to-date with regulatory requirements and ensuring that breeding activities align with both commercial goals and sustainability practices. Effective communication with research staff, agronomists, and commercial partners is crucial for success.

What is the difference between Manager Plant Breeding vs Plant Breeding Specialist?

AspectManager Plant BreedingPlant Breeding Specialist
ResponsibilitiesOversees breeding programs, manages teams, develops strategiesConducts breeding experiments, develops new plant varieties
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, experience in breedingBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, hands-on breeding experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role, project management, team coordinationLaboratory and field research, experimental work
Industry UsageCommon in agricultural companies, research institutionsUsed in similar settings, often as a technical role

The main difference is that the Manager Plant Breeding oversees breeding programs and manages teams, while the Plant Breeding Specialist focuses on conducting experiments and developing new plant varieties. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in related environments, but the manager has additional leadership responsibilities.

More about Manager Plant Breeding jobs
What cities are hiring for Manager Plant Breeding jobs? Cities with the most Manager 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 Manager Plant Breeding jobs? States with the most job openings for Manager Plant Breeding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Manager Plant Breeding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Manager Plant Breeding jobs are:
Manager Plant Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager 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 $106,365 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Plant Breeder

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

Guadalupe, CA

$83K - $120K/yr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

Plant Breeder I / II - PanAmerican Seed

Location: Guadalupe, California - R&D Breeding


Help shape the next generation of ornamental varieties.


PanAmerican Seed, a division of Ball Horticulture Company is seeking a curious, and innovative Plant Breeder to join our R&D Breeding team in Guadalupe, California. Reporting to the North American Breeding Director, this position offers the opportunity to develop commercially successful seed-propagated ornamental varieties while working alongside an experienced global breeding organization.


At PanAmerican Seed, breeders work across a diverse portfolio of globally recognized ornamental crops and collaborate closely with experts in pathology, molecular breeding, breeding technology, production, and product management. We invest in modern breeding tools and encourage curiosity, innovation, and continuous improvement to help our breeders deliver meaningful impact. This opportunity creates ownership of breeding projects while collaborating with a global R&D team.


Guadalupe is located on California's beautiful Central Coast, offering a mild year-round climate with easy access to beaches, hiking, mountain biking, and California wine country.

Key Responsibilities

Independently manage assigned breeding projects and breeding activities across multiple seasons. 

Advance breeding populations through crossing, selection, trial evaluation, and data-driven decision making. 

Develop improved varieties/hybrids that meet breeding objectives for quality, performance, and commercial success. 

Contribute to breeding strategy and project objectives in partnership with the North American Breeding Director and Product Management. 

Collaborate closely with Production, Supply Chain, Pathology, Product Management, and other R&D teams to support successful product development and reliable seed production. 

Share technical knowledge with colleagues and support the development of junior team members. 

Represent breeding during internal meetings, grower visits, trials, and industry interactions. 

Travel approximately 25% domestically and internationally to evaluate trials, collaborate with colleagues, and monitor industry trends. 


What Success Looks Like

Successful candidates will:

Deliver breeding progress that supports PanAmerican Seed's product pipeline and long term business objectives

Make sound, data-driven breeding decisions. 

Build strong partnerships across R&D and commercial teams. 

Continuously improve breeding methods and workflows. 

Demonstrate scientific curiosity, ownership, and a commitment to continuous learning. 




Requirements

Required

  • Ph.D., M.S., or B.S. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Sciences, or a related discipline. 
  • Strong understanding of plant breeding principles, and the application modern breeding tools and technologies to improve breeding outcomes. 
  • Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across scientific disciplines and functional teams. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences. 

Preferred

Experience breeding seed-propagated ornamental crops. 

Experience working in commercial product development


Apply