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Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Limagrain

Global Breeding Director (M/F)

Davis, CA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

Promote quality standards and Plant Health, Safety & Environmental practices at all R&D sites. Your profile What you bring * Master's degree or higher in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a related life ...

KWS SAAT SE

Station Technician Champaign

Champaign, IL · On-site

$25.50 - $28/hr

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 ...

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How much do plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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 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.

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Plant Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Breeding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Assistant Plant Breeder

Conagra Brands

Brookston, IN • On-site

$26.97/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Conagra Brands rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

196th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Shift: 7:00 AM-3:30 PMHourly Rate: $26.97 an hour

Job Title:Assistant Plant Breeder (Popcorn)

Location:Brookston, IN

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Popcorn Breeding leadership team, you will support the development of new popcorn inbreds and hybrids through field, laboratory, and office-based research activities. You will help execute breeding program initiatives, collect and manage research data, maintain seed inventories, and support the successful operation of the popcorn breeding program.

A Taste of Your Responsibilities

  • Support field research activities including field preparation, planting, irrigation, pest monitoring, data collection, harvesting, and seed quality evaluation.
  • Perform nursery pollination activities and assist with breeding program operations.
  • Harvest nursery plots and prepare samples from yield trials for evaluation.
  • Operate laboratory and seed-processing equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Shell, organize, label, and inventory nursery plot materials and seed stocks.
  • Prepare, monitor, and evaluate popping samples generated through research trials.
  • Plan and prepare materials for nurseries and yield trials.
  • Record, organize, and summarize research data accurately.
  • Maintain inventories of breeding program supplies and help forecast future needs.
  • Document work processes and standard operating procedures.
  • Support popcorn evaluation activities and data generation efforts.
  • Use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to manage data and communicate results.
  • Partner with team members to support breeding objectives and long-term program goals.

Ingredients Required for Your Success

  • Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, or a related field, or completion of degree requirements in progress.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and focus on execution.
  • Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills.
  • Flexibility to work extended hours during peak planting, pollination, and harvest seasons.
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
  • Familiarity with field operations and plant phenotyping preferred.
  • Experience with statistical analysis and data management software preferred.

Physical Requirements

More information on the essential tasks and facility will be shared during the hiring process. Please be aware that in a manufacturing environment, the noise levels can be high and the temperatures may vary. Depending on the role, physical and environmental requirements can differ but include:

  • Being on your feet, walking around the facility, climbing stairs/ladders or kneeling for extended periods of time.
  • Performing consistent repetitive tasks.
  • Frequently lifting, pushing or carrying materials.
Anticipated Close Date: August 21, 2026Location: Brookston, Indiana

Our Benefits

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

  • Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance

  • Wealth: Great pay, 401(k)/pension eligibility, financial wellness programs and stock purchase plan

  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups and team collaboration

  • Balance: Paid-time off and volunteer opportunities

Our Company

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye, Slim Jim and Reddi-Wip.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

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About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

Social media

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