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Plant Breeding Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Plant Breeder Location: Salinas, CA Department: Research & Development Position Type ... This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a large, international breeding program focused on ...

Assistant Plant Breeder

Salinas, CA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Assistant Plant Breeder Location: Salinas, CA Department: Research & Development Position Type ... This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a large, international breeding program focused on ...

Assistant Plant Breeder Location: Salinas, CA Department: Research & Development Position Type ... This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a large, international breeding program focused on ...

This position will work closely with breeders, assistant breeders, and other technicians to execute breeding activities and maintain high-quality plant production in greenhouses, large walk-in growth ...

This position will work closely with breeders, assistant breeders, and other technicians to execute breeding activities and maintain high-quality plant production in greenhouses, large walk-in growth ...

This position will work closely with breeders, assistant breeders, and other technicians to execute breeding activities and maintain high-quality plant production in greenhouses, large walk-in growth ...

This position will work closely with breeders, assistant breeders, and other technicians to execute breeding activities and maintain high-quality plant production in greenhouses, large walk-in growth ...

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Plant Breeding Assistant information

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$23K

$85.1K

$145K

How much do plant breeding assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant breeding assistant in the United States is $85,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant breeding assistant?

Plant Breeding Assistants are professionals who support plant breeders in developing new and improved plant varieties. Their responsibilities include preparing and planting seeds, collecting and recording data on plant growth and traits, pollinating flowers, and assisting with experiments in fields or greenhouses. They play a key role in helping plant breeders achieve research goals and improve crop yields, disease resistance, and other desirable characteristics. Plant Breeding Assistants work in agricultural research institutions, seed companies, and universities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant breeding assistant?

To thrive as a Plant Breeding Assistant, you need a background in plant science or agriculture, familiarity with genetics, and basic laboratory or fieldwork experience. Proficiency in data collection tools, greenhouse management systems, and sometimes statistical software is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, successful collaboration, and support for breeding programs that drive agricultural innovation.

What are some common challenges faced by plant breeding assistants during fieldwork, and how can they be managed?

Plant Breeding Assistants often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, managing large volumes of data, and ensuring accurate pollination and labeling of plants. Adapting to changing field conditions requires flexibility and proactive communication with supervisors and team members. Staying organized with meticulous record-keeping and using digital tools can help manage data efficiently. Additionally, collaborating closely with plant breeders and technicians ensures that tasks are completed accurately and any issues are promptly addressed.

Are plant breeding assistants in demand?

Plant breeding assistants are in steady demand due to ongoing research in agriculture, crop improvement, and food security. They typically work in research facilities, farms, or laboratories, often requiring knowledge of plant genetics and data analysis tools. Employment opportunities depend on the agricultural sector's investment and research funding levels.

How do you become a plant breeding assistant?

To become a plant breeding assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in plant science, agriculture, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of plant genetics, data analysis, and laboratory or field work; some positions may require experience with plant breeding tools or software. Gaining practical experience through internships or research projects can improve job prospects.
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What cities are hiring for Plant Breeding Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Plant Breeding Assistant 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 Plant Breeding Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Plant Breeding Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Plant Breeding Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,100 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Assistant Plant Breeder

A. Duda & Sons Inc.

Salinas, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Assistant Plant Breeder
Location: Salinas, CA
Department: Research & Development
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Join Our Research & Development Team
Duda Farm Fresh Foods is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Assistant Plant Breeder to join our growing Research & Development team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a large, international breeding program focused on vegetable crops including celery, radish, kale, collards, cilantro, and other specialty crops.
Reporting to the Vice President of Research & Development, the Assistant Plant Breeder will play a key role in advancing breeding initiatives, developing improved commercial varieties, and supporting research projects that impact every stage of the production cycle. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including production, harvest, and processing operations, while gaining hands-on experience in both traditional and modern plant breeding techniques.
What You'll Do
  • Assist in the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of breeding and research trials.
  • Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret breeding and field trial data.
  • Participate in variety development activities, including plant selection, crossing, evaluation, and advancement of breeding lines.
  • Maintain accurate breeding records, databases, and trial documentation.
  • Support seed production, breeding cage operations, isolation trials, and seed harvest activities.
  • Prepare technical reports, presentations, and summaries of research and breeding results.
  • Collaborate with production, harvest, processing, and research teams to evaluate crop performance and quality attributes.
  • Contribute to the implementation of modern breeding technologies and tools, including marker-assisted breeding, genomic selection, and other emerging methodologies.
  • Travel to trial locations and research sites as needed.
What We're Looking For
Education
  • Master's degree required in Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Horticulture, Biology, or a related field.
  • Ph.D. preferred.
Experience & Skills
  • One or more years of experience in plant breeding, agricultural research, field trials, or related agricultural responsibilities.
  • Strong data collection, analysis, and recordkeeping skills.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office applications; proficiency with Excel preferred.
  • Familiarity with database management systems is a plus.
  • Knowledge of plant breeding principles, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
  • Laboratory and research experience preferred.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Additional Qualifications
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
  • Ability to work in diverse environments, including office, laboratory, greenhouse, warehouse, cold storage, and field settings.
  • Bilingual skills are a plus but not required.
Why Join Duda?
At Duda, innovation and agriculture come together to create sustainable solutions for the future of fresh food. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside industry-leading researchers and contribute to meaningful projects that directly impact the development of improved vegetable varieties for commercial production around the world.
We offer a collaborative environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact within a respected agricultural organization.
Ready to help shape the future of vegetable breeding? Apply today and grow your career with Duda Farm Fresh Foods.