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Plant Breeding Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Practical knowledge of crop management, agronomy/horticulture practices, plant physiology, and plant breeding across vegetable crops. * Deep understanding of practices and procedures that affect ...

Practical knowledge of crop management, agronomy/horticulture practices, plant physiology, and plant breeding across vegetable crops. * Deep understanding of practices and procedures that affect ...

Practical knowledge of crop management, agronomy/horticulture practices, plant physiology, and plant breeding across vegetable crops. * Deep understanding of practices and procedures that affect ...

Building support, rapport and earn trust with seed breeder and dealer management. * Developing ... Econ/Business, Plant Science, Weed Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, or Agronomy with 3-5+ ...

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Plant Breeding information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$20

$36

How much do plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant breeding in Arizona is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $23.51 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 is plant breeding?

Plant breeding is the science-driven process of changing the traits of plants in order to produce desired characteristics. This is achieved by selecting plants with beneficial traits and breeding them to create improved varieties, such as those with higher yield, disease resistance, or better nutritional value. Plant breeding can involve traditional cross-breeding methods as well as modern techniques like genetic engineering and marker-assisted selection. The goal is to develop plants that are more productive, resilient, and suited to specific environments or market needs.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Breeding jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Plant Breeding jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Plant Breeding jobs in Arizona?

For Plant Breeding jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Plant Breeding jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Plant Breeding job openings:

Infographic showing various Plant Breeding job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,352 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Trialing Specialist

Yuma, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Company Description

About Syngenta 

At Syngenta Vegetables and Flowers, we're cultivating tomorrow's variety through innovative breeding that brings vibrant colors to gardens and nutritious vegetables to tables worldwide. We combine centuries of seed heritage with cutting-edge innovation to develop resilient, high-performing varieties that thrive in diverse climates. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable horticulture, where every seed holds the potential to enhance lives through better nutrition and natural beauty. 

Job Description

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta's Operations & Trialing Team is seeking a Trialing Specialist in Phoenix, AZ.

The Trialing Specialist is a hands-on field research role within Syngenta's Seeds Development organization, responsible for the end-to-end execution of research trials that evaluate the performance of experimental vegetable seed varieties and hybrids. Reporting to the Trialing & Product Placement Lead, this role is at the heart of how Syngenta brings better seeds to market-from planting through harvest, data collection, and everything in between.

In this role, you will own the full trial cycle across assigned geographies, selecting and managing trial locations, operating specialized farm and precision agriculture equipment, and capturing high-quality phenotypic data using digital tools and advanced technologies. You will work closely with growers, seed dealers, and internal teams across R&D, Marketing, and Sales to ensure trial objectives are met on time and to the highest standards of data integrity.

This is a field-intensive position requiring flexibility, independent judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence. During peak growing seasons, extended hours and regional travel-up to 40-50%-are expected. If you are someone who thrives in the field, takes pride in data quality, and wants your work to directly contribute to crop innovation that impacts farmers worldwide, this role is for you.

Accountabilities:

  • Drive the end-to-end trialing process-from trial planning, planting, and field management through harvest and data collection-ensuring trialing objectives are met on time and to quality standards.
  • Operate and maintain specialized farm and precision agriculture equipment, such as planters, tractors, and automated harvest machinery, with responsibility for adjustment and basic repairs.
  • Capture detailed phenotypic observations using advanced digital tools, imaging technologies, and drones, and ensure timely, accurate data storage in corporate systems.
  • Select and optimize trial locations in alignment with target markets, customer segments, and trialing best practices; prepare and negotiate grower contracts.
  • Partner closely with R&D, Marketing, and Sales teams-as well as growers and seed dealers-to communicate trial progress, resolve field issues, and maintain strategic trial site relationships.
  • Lead and coach third-party field crews, managing performance and ensuring data integrity, operational excellence, and adherence to HSE standards.
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in trialing operations and participate in research and process improvement initiatives related to vegetable variety phenotyping.
Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must reside in and be permanently authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. This comprises, but is not limited to, OPT, CPT, and H-1B visa holders.

  • Required: BS degree. Preferred: MSc degree in Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or an agriculture-related field.
  • Practical knowledge of crop management, agronomy/horticulture practices, plant physiology, and plant breeding across vegetable crops.
  • Deep understanding of practices and procedures that affect trial data quality and accuracy.
  • Strong digital fluency and database management skills. Ability to master proprietary IT systems for data storage, label printing, and inventory management.
  • Hands-on experience operating farming and precision agriculture equipment (e.g., planters, tractors, automated harvest equipment), such as adjustment, maintenance, and basic repairs.
  • Demonstrated experience with electronic data capture and digital phenotyping tools and technologies (e.g., drones, imaging methods), and motivation for continuous learning.
  • Fluency in English and the local language; demonstrated strong written and verbal communication abilities.
Additional Information

What We Offer: 

  • A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. 
  • Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day. 
  • 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution. 
  • Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

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