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Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spring Meadow Nursery

Plant Breeder

Grand Haven, MI · On-site

Utilize traditional, as well as, next-generation breeding techniques, embryo rescue, ploidy manipulation, and mutagenesis. This position will involve seedling selection, plant rogueing, and ...

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$110/hr

Reporting to the North American Breeding Director, this role is well suited for a breeder who ... The Plant Breeder will lead breeding strategy for assigned crops, make advancement decisions, and ...

Ball Horticultural

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$110/hr

Reporting to the North American Breeding Director, this role is well suited for a breeder who ... The Plant Breeder will lead breeding strategy for assigned crops, make advancement decisions, and ...

New

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$110/hr

Reporting to the North American Breeding Director, this role is well suited for a breeder who ... The Plant Breeder will lead breeding strategy for assigned crops, make advancement decisions, and ...

Ball Horticultural Company

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Reporting to the North American Breeding Director, this role is well suited for a breeder who ... The Plant Breeder will lead breeding strategy for assigned crops, make advancement decisions, and ...

Hopsteiner

Associate Breeding Project Lead

Yakima, WA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Manage biological entities, plant inventory, and technical data within R&D information systems ... Breeding and Technical Support: * Organize logistics for marker-assisted selection, including ...

Bayer

Breeding Operations Associate

Woodland, CA · On-site

$78.64K - $117.96K/yr

Supervising the growing of plant breeding nurseries and related research trials, both in greenhouses and open fields; * Collaborate with stakeholders across strategy, operations, and data teams to ...

Bayer

Breeding Operations Associate

Woodland, CA · On-site

$78.64K - $117.96K/yr

Supervising the growing of plant breeding nurseries and related research trials, both in greenhouses and open fields; Collaborate with stakeholders across strategy, operations, and data teams to ...

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How much do plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant breeding in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is Plant Breeding?

Plant breeding incorporates traditional methods and modern scientific methods to modify and manipulate plant species to improve crops, food, fuel, plant-based products. The modification is done through processes like genetic engineering or controlled pollination to combine traits and produce the desired phenotypes and genotypes. The process ensures food security and increases the resistance and outcome for plants. It helps plants fight pests, advance crop growth, and sturdiness, and offer a better taste in some situations. The crossing can occur with closely related plants or distantly associated species depending on the traits wanted. Plant breeding has been going on for thousands of years and is practiced worldwide.

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

To thrive as a Plant Breeder, you need a strong background in genetics, biology, and agronomy, often supported by a degree in plant science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, molecular marker technologies, and statistical analysis software such as SAS or R is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the development of improved crop varieties, successful experimentation, and productive teamwork to meet agricultural challenges.

What are some typical challenges faced by plant breeders when developing new crop varieties?

Plant breeders often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple desirable traits like yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability within a single crop variety. They must also manage long breeding cycles, as it can take several years to see the results of their work. Collaboration with agronomists, geneticists, and farmers is essential to ensure new varieties meet market and environmental needs. Additionally, staying updated on advances in biotechnology and regulatory changes is crucial for success in this evolving field.

What is the difference between Plant Breeding vs Plant Genetics?

AspectPlant BreedingPlant Genetics
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, Agriculture, or related fields; often includes breeding certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Genetics, Biology, or related fields; may include genetics certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch farms, laboratories, seed companies, agricultural organizationsLaboratories, research institutions, universities, biotech companies
Industry UsageDeveloping new plant varieties, improving crop traitsUnderstanding genetic mechanisms, gene mapping, and inheritance patterns

Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics are closely related fields. Plant Breeding focuses on developing new plant varieties through crossing and selection, while Plant Genetics emphasizes understanding the genetic basis of traits. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their primary goals differ: one creates improved crops, the other explores genetic mechanisms.

More about Plant Breeding jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Breeding jobs? The most popular types of Plant Breeding jobs are:
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Plant Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Breeding job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Plant Breeder

Plant Breeder

Spring Meadow Nursery Inc

Grand Haven, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about discovering and introducing the best woody ornamentals to the globally recognized Proven Winners® ColorChoice® brand? Since 2004, our brand has been at the forefront of introducing new shrubs, and this role offers you the opportunity to work with a wide array of plant genera and collaborate with a team on plant evaluations and product development strategies.


Plant Breeder will be responsible for researching specific groups of genera and develop and facilitate a breeding plan. Utilize traditional, as well as, next-generation breeding techniques, embryo rescue, ploidy manipulation, and mutagenesis. This position will involve seedling selection, plant rogueing, and experiment documentation. Assist in growing and production aspects of new plants and systems for breeding activities. Enjoy being part of a team motivated to bring the best varieties to market. Reporting to Breeding Manager.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Research specific assigned genera.
  • Unique traits of interest, base chromosome numbers, ploidy levels, phylogenetics, new cultivars of value, wild germplasm of value, the heritability of traits, and prior breeding efforts.
  • Discuss breeding plans and ideas with the Plant Breeding Manager.
  • Execute crosses with a team through hand pollination, fly cages, bee cages, etc.
  • Utilize traditional breeding, mutation breeding, ploidy manipulation, radiation, and chemical techniques.
  • Source germplasm and plant material for breeding purposes.
  • Schedule fruit/seed collection and processing.
  • Evaluate, sort and rogue seedlings.
  • Select, document and request propagation of new varieties.
  • Take pictures, record notes on selection and request propagation of new selections.
  • Join relevant plant societies and attend industry and plant breeding events to network and continue self-development.
  • Schedule, track, manage stock plants, pollen collection and storage.
  • Maintain small lots of plants for breeding purposes.
  • Assist with seed germination plan.
  • Maintain and store collected seed.
  • Over winter seed and prepare for germination.
  • Continuous improvement on germination rates.
  • Use facilities and develop proposals to speed up the process.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Perform other related duties as required.
  • Follow Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Employee Handbook
  • Follow Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Safety Handbook.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

  • BS required, Master’s or Ph.D. preferred; in horticulture, genetics, biology or related field and hands-on experience in plant breeding and plant mutation techniques. Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work both independently and as a team. Must be creative, innovative, and be a results-oriented team player. Computer skills are required for the nursery database as well as proficiency in Excel and Word.
  • Must possess the ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move 30 pounds

Performance Requirements:

  • Must maintain a level of performance equivalent to company standards, that being a “Meets Expectations” in all areas of your performance evaluations (including but not limited to, Self and Management reviews).

*The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.