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Rice Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Field Technician - Alvin, TX 2026

Alvin, TX · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Field operations of hybrid rice breeding including experiment design, planting, making crosses, phenotyping, selecting and hand and/or mechanical harvesting. * Operate and maintain equipment in ...

Seasonal Field Technician - Alvin, TX 2026

Alvin, TX · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Field operations of hybrid rice breeding including experiment design, planting, making crosses, phenotyping, selecting and hand and/or mechanical harvesting. * Operate and maintain equipment in ...

Research Technician II

Beaumont, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

... breeding populations. * Operates and maintains the functionality of field (e.g., tractors, planters, combine harvester, threshers, and backhoe) and lab technical equipment (e.g., rice dehullers ...

Research Technician II

Beaumont, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

... breeding populations. * Operatesand maintains the functionality offield(e.g., tractors, planters,combine harvester,threshers,and backhoe) andlab technicalequipment(e.g., rice dehullers, mills, and ...

Florida Crystals regeneratively farms sugarcane and rice in South Florida, where it owns two sugar ... The position will focus on developing and applying AI-driven solutions across sugarcane breeding ...

Rice Breeding information

See salary details

$25K

$69.4K

$99K

How much do rice breeding jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for rice breeding in the United States is $69,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is rice breeding?

Rice breeding is the science and practice of developing new varieties of rice with improved characteristics, such as higher yield, disease resistance, better nutritional quality, and adaptability to different environments. Plant breeders use traditional cross-breeding techniques, as well as modern biotechnology methods, to combine desirable traits from different rice plants. The goal is to create varieties that meet the needs of farmers, consumers, and environmental conditions, ultimately contributing to global food security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rice breeder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rice Breeder, you need a solid background in plant genetics, agronomy, and crop science, typically supported by a relevant degree such as agronomy, plant breeding, or agricultural science. Familiarity with molecular breeding techniques, data analysis tools, and field trial management systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in designing experiments, collaborating with stakeholders, and interpreting results. These competencies are vital for developing high-yield, disease-resistant rice varieties that meet agricultural and market demands.

What are some typical challenges faced by rice breeders, and how can they overcome them?

Rice breeders commonly face challenges such as developing varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests, adapting to changing climate conditions, and meeting the demands for higher yields and grain quality. To overcome these hurdles, breeders collaborate closely with plant pathologists, geneticists, and agronomists, and often utilize advanced technologies like marker-assisted selection and genomic tools. Staying updated with the latest research and participating in field trials are also crucial strategies for addressing these evolving challenges.

What is the difference between Rice Breeding vs Rice Genetics?

AspectRice BreedingRice Genetics
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or AgronomyBachelor's or Master's in Genetics, Plant Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentField trials, greenhouse, laboratoryLaboratory, research institutions, data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageSeed companies, agricultural research institutesResearch institutions, universities, biotech firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentDeveloping new rice varietiesUnderstanding genetic traits and mechanisms

Rice Breeding focuses on developing new rice varieties through crossing and selection, while Rice Genetics emphasizes understanding the genetic basis of traits. Both roles often overlap in research settings but differ in their primary goals and methods.

What other helpful pages are available for Rice Breeding?

Other pages related to Rice Breeding:

Infographic showing various Rice Breeding job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,416 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Seasonal Field Technician - Alvin, TX 2026

Alvin, TX • On-site

RiceTec
Scientific Research and Development Services • 201 - 500 employees

$16 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist in: layout of fields for planting experimental rice plots, seed preparation, planting, data recording, field management, harvesting, cleaning and milling samples, and equipment maintenance.
  • Oversee plants in the field and greenhouse by planting, watering, fertilizing, monitoring for pests; observe field and GH plants for traits such as height and flowering time.
  • Field operations of hybrid rice breeding including experiment design, planting, making crosses, phenotyping, selecting and hand and/or mechanical harvesting.
  • Operate and maintain equipment in conjunction with farm operations.
  • Assist with experiments according to specific procedures, exercising independent judgment and discretion as appropriate.
  • Assist in conducting experiments at other Research sites, laboratory areas, or groups.
  • Maintain appropriate inventory of chemicals and/or supplies necessary for the completion of experiments at work location.
  • Participate in decision making regarding feasibility of prospective projects.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • On-Site work required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with Tractors, Combines, or other heavy equipment is preferred.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability:

Ability to read, write, and speak English. Acceptable oral and written communication skills. 

Math Ability:

Ability to comprehend and apply principles of basic math.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

Certificates and Licenses:

No certifications needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Expected to perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and physical requirements of this role with or without reasonable accommodation within the described work environment.

  • Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking level and unleveled surfaces for periodic periods throughout the day including flooded rice fields. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. Must be able to lift 50-pound bag of seed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Work and training locations may include office and warehouse environments.  May also include dry, muddy, or flooded fields, and other outside environmental situations including extreme heat/cold, rainy, or sunny conditions.

RiceTec, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.