ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plant Breeding Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

KWS SAAT SE

Mechanical Maintenance Lead

Tangent, OR · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

About KWS KWS is one of the world's leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated ...

KWS SAAT SE

Seed Processing Line Operator

Tangent, OR · On-site

$23.28/hr

About KWS KWS is one of the world's leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated ...

KWS SAAT SE

Quality Control Technician

Tangent, OR · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

About KWS KWS is one of the world's leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated ...

KWS SAAT SE

Applied Technology Lead

Tangent, OR · On-site

It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seeds for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflowers. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods and invests a ...

Louisiana State University

A Ph.D. in plant pathology, plant biology, data science, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, statistics, breeding, or related field accompanied by appropriate postdoctoral ...

Louisiana Workforce Commission

A Ph.D. in plant pathology, plant biology, data science, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, statistics, breeding, or related field accompanied by appropriate postdoctoral ...

LSU AgCenter

A Ph.D. in plant pathology, plant biology, data science, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, statistics, breeding, or related field accompanied by appropriate postdoctoral ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Portland, OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

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

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Eugene, OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

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

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

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

All JobsPlant Breeding JobsPlant Breeding Jobs in Oregon

Plant Breeding information

See Oregon salary details

$14

$23

$41

How much do plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant breeding in Oregon is $23.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $26.68 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.

More about Plant Breeding jobs

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

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

What job categories do people searching Plant Breeding jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Plant Breeding jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Plant Breeding jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Plant Breeding job openings:

Plant Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Breeding job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,186 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Mechanical Maintenance Lead

KWS SAAT SE

Tangent, OR • On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Join our team located at our Tangent, Oregon as a full-time permanent Mechanical Maintenance Lead, where you'll play a critical role in supporting the maintenance department to ensure service excellence, workplace safety, and operational reliability.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Perform services within a maintenance system, to assure maintenance objectives and goals are met and minimal production time loss is achieved
  • Work with minimal direction from Supervisor, to perform the service requirements of the Maintenance department
  • Work closely with all departments to ensure all services have met or exceeded the internal customers' requirements, on current and future processing functions
  • Cross-train in multiple positions to broaden knowledge and responsibilities of the service department
  • Ensure Company handbook, Rules, Guidelines, Procedures and safety policies are followed, and personal protective equipment is used correctly
  • Occasionally travel and/or drive on behalf of the business
  • Meet attendance requirements
  • Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:
  • One or more years of experience and/or education in production, mechanical, facilities, heavy manufacturing or similar field
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Millwright, electrical or mechanical certification (preferred)
  • Proficient at welding, cutting, grinding, and working at heights above 7 feet
  • Valid driver's license and able to become forklift certified
  • Ability to train and operate HMI interfaces (preferred)
  • Ability to read and fabricate from blueprints (preferred)
  • Experience in servicing equipment including but not limited to mechanic, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical (preferred)
  • Computer experience, with knowledge of maintenance software, Auto Cad, Excel and other Microsoft based programs (preferred)
  • Demonstrated strong team leadership, communication, organizational and training skills (preferred)

What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary (salary $28-32hr)
  • Health, dental, vision benefits
  • Pension plan and 401(k) with employer match
  • Flexible paid-time-off (PTO)
  • Professional training and development opportunities
  • An international and diverse team

Grow your career by submitting your application online via our online application system SuccessFactors! Please click the "Apply" button which you can find in the online ad.
This employer participates in E-Verify and after acceptance of a job offer, will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Please enable JavaScript
Screen readers cannot read the following searchable map.
Follow this link to reach our Job Search page to search for available jobs in a more accessible format.
About KWS
KWS is one of the world's leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for more than 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seeds for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflowers. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods and invests a significant amount in research and development.
At KWS, diversity is not just a value; it is an essential part of our success. Breeding resilient crops requires diversity; likewise, our strength comes from the diversity of our teams. Whatever your background or identity is, we invite you to join us.
Further information: https://www.kws.com/corp/en/careers/. Follow us on LinkedIn® at https://linkedin.com/company/kwsgroup/.
Our data privacy policy for candidates is available on www.kws.com/dataprotection. Please select the country where the job you applied for is posted in and, if applicable, the specific business unit.

Apply