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Trait Breeder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Swine Specialist

Marshall, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

Moving animals, while utilizing proper personal protective equipment, through the breeding ... Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy. Attendance is required. Responsible ...

Swine Specialist

Golden City, MO · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

Moving animals, while utilizing proper personal protective equipment, through the breeding ... Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy. Attendance is required. Responsible ...

Swine Specialist

Golden City, MO · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

Moving animals, while utilizing proper personal protective equipment, through the breeding ... Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy. Attendance is required. Responsible ...

Swine Specialist

Brayton, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

Moving animals, while utilizing proper personal protective equipment, through the breeding ... Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy. Attendance is required. Responsible ...

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme ...

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme ...

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme ...

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme ...

Grow/Finish Swine Specialist

Snowflake, AZ · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Moving animals, while utilizing proper personal protective equipment, through the breeding ... Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy. Adequate attendance * Responsible ...

Regulated Trialing Manager

Clinton, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $20/hr

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme ...

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Trait Breeder information

See salary details

$25K

$69.4K

$99K

How much do trait breeder jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for trait breeder 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.

How does a Trait Breeder typically collaborate with other departments during the development of new plant varieties?

Trait Breeders often work closely with plant pathologists, molecular biologists, and field agronomists to ensure that desirable traits are successfully introduced and maintained in new plant varieties. Collaboration is essential during the selection, testing, and evaluation phases to gather comprehensive data on trait performance and adaptability. Regular cross-functional meetings and joint field trials are common, helping teams align on objectives and accelerate the breeding process. Such teamwork not only enhances the quality of the final product but also aids in meeting regulatory and market requirements.

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

To thrive as a Trait Breeder, you need a strong background in genetics, plant breeding, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in plant science, genetics, or agronomy. Familiarity with molecular marker technologies, statistical software (such as R or SAS), and laboratory information management systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities are important to successfully develop new crop varieties with desirable traits, ensuring agricultural productivity and food security.

What are trait breeders?

Trait breeders are scientists or agricultural professionals who focus on developing and selecting plant or animal varieties with desirable characteristics, known as traits. These traits can include disease resistance, higher yield, drought tolerance, or improved nutritional content. Trait breeders use techniques such as traditional crossbreeding, marker-assisted selection, and modern genetic engineering to introduce, enhance, or combine certain traits in a population. Their work helps ensure crops and livestock are better suited to changing environmental conditions and market demands.

What is the difference between Trait Breeder vs Plant Geneticist?

AspectTrait BreederPlant Geneticist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, Agriculture, or related fieldMaster's or Ph.D. in Genetics, Plant Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch farms, breeding stations, laboratoriesLaboratories, research institutions, universities
Employer & Industry UsageSeed companies, agricultural firms, research organizationsUniversities, government agencies, biotech firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in plant development and breedingResearching genetic analysis and modification

Trait Breeders focus on developing new plant varieties by selecting desirable traits through traditional breeding methods. Plant Geneticists analyze and manipulate plant genes to improve traits, often using advanced genetic techniques. While both roles work in plant improvement, Trait Breeders are more hands-on with fieldwork and breeding programs, whereas Plant Geneticists focus on genetic research and modification.

Infographic showing various Trait Breeder job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 10% Full Time, 87% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,416 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Swine Specialist

$15.50 - $17/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description

Swine SpecialistJob Status: Full Time/Part Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Department Supervisor

Work Schedule: 45 Hours/Week (full time only) Positions Supervised: None


POSITION SUMMARY

The Swine Specialist is a key member of a team responsible for the daily care and well-being of all animals in order to achieve production goals for the farm.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Essential Functions Statement(s):

  • Feed and water animals, and clean and disinfect pens and stalls.
  • Tag animals in order to allow animal identification
  • Moving animals, while utilizing proper personal protective equipment, through the breeding, gestation, and farrowing phases into appropriate rooms and/or pens
  • Monitor sows during labor and provide aid during the birthing process.
  • Ensure piglets are cared for by following warming box, treatment, and fostering policies.
  • Processing piglets by clipping tails, giving shots, and castrating.
  • Administer vaccinations according to health protocol in order to protect animals from diseases.
  • Identify animals that are of age and weight to be weaned and transported to customers.
  • Observe animals in heat in order to detect approach of estrus.
  • Artificially inseminate sows.
  • Maintain accurate records for animal identification, breeding, farrowing, treatment procedures.
  • Attend meetings and trainings as required.
  • Adhere to all Biosecurity policies and protocols to ensure the health of the animals.
  • Monitor ventilation to ensure proper airflow for animals' comfort.
  • Maintain proper hygiene in facilities.
  • Minor repairs to equipment, buildings, stalls, and pens.
  • Any other duties as assigned by management.

 Benefits: 

  • 401(k) 
  • Dental Insurance 
  • Health insurance 
  • Health savings account 
  • Life insurance 
  • Paid time off 
  • Vision insurance 
  • Aflac

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statement(s)

Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.

Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.

Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy. Attendance is required.

Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one's conduct.

Adaptability - Flexibility to adjust task(s) and/or schedule based on needs of the day.

Physical Demands Lift/Carry

Stand C (Constantly) 10 lbs or less F (Frequently)

Walk C (Constantly) 11-20 lbs F (Frequently)

Sit 0 (Occasionally) 21-50 lbs F (Frequently)

Handling / Fingering C (Constantly) 51-100 lbs 0 (Occasionally)

Reach Outward F (Frequently) Over 100 lbs N (Not Applicable)

Reach Above Shoulder F (Frequently) Push/Pull

Climb 0 (Occasionally) 12 lbs or less F (Frequently)

Crawl N (Not Applicable) 13-25 lbs 0 (Occasionally)

Squat or Kneel 0 (Occasionally) 26-40 lbs 0 (Occasionally)

Bend F (Frequently) 41 100 lbs 0 (Occasionally)

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.

O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0- 2.5+,hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% to 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

AMVC has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and AMVC reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as AMVC may deem appropriate. By signing this form the employee agrees that they are able to perform these functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.