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Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bayer

Field Associate II

Mason, MI · On-site

What You Will Do The Field Associate II is responsible for working with an internal team of plant breeding breeders, research scientists, and field operations to design, execute, and oversee the ...

Bayer

Product Development Scientist II

Huxley, IA · On-site

$94K - $135K/yr

Apply plant breeding, genetics, statistics, and data analysis to improve product performance, selection accuracy, and decision-making across the product pipeline; Collaborate across breeding, field ...

Bayer

Product Development Scientist II

Williamsburg, IA · On-site

$94K - $135K/yr

Apply plant breeding, genetics, statistics, and data analysis to improve product performance, selection accuracy, and decision-making across the product pipeline; Collaborate across breeding, field ...

Bayer

Field Associate II

Mason, MI · On-site

What You Will Do The Field Associate II is responsible for working with an internal team of plant breeding breeders, research scientists, and field operations to design, execute, and oversee the ...

Bayer

Product Development Scientist II

Huxley, IA · On-site

$94K - $135K/yr

Apply plant breeding, genetics, statistics, and data analysis to improve product performance, selection accuracy, and decision-making across the product pipeline; * Collaborate across breeding, field ...

Bayer Inc.

Field Associate II

Mason, MI · On-site

What You Will Do The Field Associate II is responsible for working with an internal team of plant breeding breeders, research scientists, and field operations to design, execute, and oversee the ...

Bayer Inc.

Product Development Scientist II

Huxley, IA

$94K - $135K/yr

Apply plant breeding, genetics, statistics, and data analysis to improve product performance, selection accuracy, and decision-making across the product pipeline; * Collaborate across breeding, field ...

Bayer

Breeding Operations Associate

Woodland, CA · On-site

$78K - $117K/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

$78K - $117K/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 Inc.

Breeding Operations Associate

Woodland, CA · On-site

$78K - $117K/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 ...

KWS SAAT SE

Greenhouse Technician Kimberly

Kimberly, ID · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflower. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods to continuously ...

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How much do plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 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 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 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.
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Plant Breeding jobs near you
Field Associate II

Field Associate II

Bayer

Mason, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Bayer rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 71 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Field Associate II
At Bayer we're visionaries, driven to solve the world's toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none' is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We're doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining 'impossible'. There are so many reasons to join us. If you're hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there's only one choice.
What You Will Do
The Field Associate II is responsible for working with an internal team of plant breeding breeders, research scientists, and field operations to design, execute, and oversee the North America Plant Breeding row crop research and development efforts. Additionally, this role is responsible for continuous improvement and strategic initiative projects that transform the way row crop plant breeding research is conducted within the organization through the use of new equipment technologies, data analytics, and program management design.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Delivering the highest quality field data as part of North America's plant breeding R&D pipeline by providing optimal trial management.
  • Responsible for the implementation of unique and innovative technology solutions designed to improve research design and operations success through the use of new tools and methodologies to improve overall plant breeding phenotyping such as the pilot and use of geospatial systems, agronomic planting and harvesting tools, harvesting shelling systems, and data capture applications.
  • Collaborate with project team members to deliver detailed experimental protocols that enable advancement decisions by our scientists and placement decisions to our customers.
  • Organize and execute day-to-day priorities of the site either alone or as the leader of a small team such as: pre-season logistical trial planning, safety, and compliance adherence in accordance with local and federal guidelines, and in season phenotyping activities performed by contractors.
  • Train team members and seasonal employees on standard operating procedures, site and operational safety guidelines, and tool operations.
  • Engage in community relation activities including but not limited to community volunteer efforts, sustainability activities, and serve as a technical representative to external parties in partnership with commercial marketing and other functions on agronomic tops such as product pipeline development, agronomy practices, and compliance standards.
  • Travel up to 15% of the time particularly during peak seasons, which could be within a multi-state region.
  • Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons (including non-traditional day time hours with the potential of limited overnight travel).

Required Qualifications:
  • BS in Agronomy, Life sciences, Engineering, Computer Sicnece, or related field with at least 2 years of proven experience through the combination of previous employment, co-op, or internship job experience OR Masters Degree in relevant field with 1 year proven experience through the combination of previous employment, internship, or academic experience;
  • Broad knowledge of agricultural equipment and row crop production practices and history of leveraging that knowledge in a research environment;
  • Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative team based environment;
  • Capable of pulling, analyzing, and maintaining large data sets;
  • Basic understanding and passion for emerging trends in agriculture;
  • Experience with both standard MS Office computer and software systems used in scientific data analysis, with the ability to quickly learn new software programs and tools;
  • Ability to manage contract and hourly employees work including coaching and counseling as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with precision agriculture hardware and software;
  • History of implementation of continuous improvements and new innovations through the work on project teams.

This posting will expire on April 1st, 2026.
Employees can expect to be paid a salary of $ 58,498.40 - 87,747.60 per year. Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Other benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc. If selected for this role, the offer may vary based on market data/ranges, an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.
Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below.
If you meet the requirements of this unique opportunity, and want to impact our mission Science for a better life, we encourage you to apply now. Job postings will remain open for a minimum of ten business days and are subject to immediate closure thereafter without additional notice. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Notice for U.S. Visitors: All information on this site is subject to compliance with local rule and regulations as they may vary from time to time and across different geographies, including, without limitation, U.S. Executive Orders. Division:Crop Science Reference Code865407 Functional Area:Biological R&D Location:United States : Michigan : Mason Employment Type:Regular Position Grade:unknown Contact Us AddressTelephoneCreve Coeur, MO+1 888-473-1001, option #563167 OR Submit a ticket via the self-service option by visiting go/askhr

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About Bayer

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Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and nutrition. We design our products and services to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to address the unprecedented global challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At Bayer, we’re committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with our businesses. Through bold ideas and unprecedented insights, we’re pioneering new possibilities that advance life for all of us. That means reimagining how we care for ourselves and one another by empowering everyday health, improving approaches to patient care, and finding better ways to nourish our communities around the world.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Whippany, NJ, US

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