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Plant Breeding Jobs (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

Greenhouse Technician Kimberly

Kimberly, ID · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/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 ...

Limagrain

Research Assistant

Immokalee, FL · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

... plant pathologists, geneticists, and other departments to support breeding projects • Manage tissue sampling and submission of genotyping and pathology projects • Travel to domestic and ...

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 ...

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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.

Student Worker: Agronomy and Plant Breeding Lab

East Texas A&M University

Commerce, TX • On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Student Worker: Agronomy and Plant Breeding Lab
Agency
East Texas A&M University
Department
College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Commerce, Texas
Job Type
Student Worker
Job Description
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:
During the application process the "My Experience" page has a section provided "Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.)" to upload required documents.
  • Use the Upload button to add each document.
  • You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.
  • All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.
  • Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration.

Please provide the following documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume/CV

Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document. If you need assistance with this or any other matter, please contact us at HR.StudentHiring@etamu.edu
SUMMARY:
Student worker position working in the Agronomy lab and field in support of the Agronomy program research. The position includes processing crop samples, data collection, greenhouse work, and field work. Skills and areas of development that will be achieved through the role of this position include:
  • Entomology scouting, identification, and data collection
  • Wheat, oat, corn, grain sorghum, and soybean data collection, growth, and management
  • Forage and soil data collection and management
  • Computer, database, and related skills for collecting, storing, and managing research data

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist with collecting field data on wheat, oat, corn, grain sorghum, soybean, and other crops
  • Data collection and entry of insect, grain, forage, and soil samples
  • Harvesting wheat, oat, and other crop research plots and samples
  • Managing greenhouse plants including watering, crossing, and other duties
  • Assist with preparing seed for planting
  • Assist with planting research plots of multiple crops
  • Collaborate and communicate with supervisor.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Education: Must be active student for East Texas A&M University. Student can be an undergrad or graduate level.
• Knowledge / Skills: Punctual. Willingness to learn new skills. Basic computer skills in Word and Excel.
• Ability to: Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Ability to work well with groups of people
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Apply