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Trait Breeding Plant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Syngenta Group

Operations Manager

Slater, IA · On-site

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field, with at least ...

Syngenta

Operations Manager

Slater, IA · On-site

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field, with at least ...

Syngenta Seeds

Operations Manager

Slater, IA

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field, with at least ...

All JobsTrait Breeding Plant JobsTrait Breeding Plant Jobs in Iowa

Trait Breeding Plant information

What is a trait breeding plant specialist?

A Trait Breeding Plant specialist is a professional who focuses on developing and improving plant varieties by selecting for specific traits, such as disease resistance, yield, drought tolerance, or nutritional content. They use techniques like cross-breeding, genetic analysis, and sometimes biotechnology to create new plant strains that perform better in specific environments or meet particular agricultural needs. These specialists play a crucial role in ensuring food security, sustainability, and agricultural innovation. Their work often involves both lab research and field trials to evaluate the effectiveness of new plant traits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trait breeding plant scientist?

To thrive as a Trait Breeding Plant Scientist, you need a solid background in plant genetics, breeding methodologies, and data analysis, usually supported by an advanced degree in plant science or a related field. Familiarity with molecular biology tools, statistical software (such as R or SAS), and genomic selection platforms is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are essential for developing improved plant varieties, ensuring research accuracy, and collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a trait breeding plant professional within an agricultural research organization?

Trait Breeding Plant professionals regularly collaborate with geneticists, molecular biologists, agronomists, and data analysts to develop new plant varieties with improved traits. These collaborations often involve joint planning of breeding experiments, sharing and analyzing genetic data, and coordinating field trials. Working in multidisciplinary teams fosters innovation and provides opportunities to contribute to large-scale projects, which can enhance professional growth and visibility within the organization.

What is the difference between Trait Breeding Plant vs Plant Breeding Technician?

AspectTrait Breeding PlantPlant Breeding Technician
CredentialsDegree in Plant Science, Genetics, or related fieldAssociate or Bachelor's in Agriculture, Plant Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, greenhouses, field trialsLaboratories, field stations, research farms
Employer & IndustryAgricultural biotech companies, research institutionsSeed companies, agricultural research centers
Job FocusDeveloping new plant traits through breeding programsAssisting in breeding experiments, data collection, and fieldwork

Trait Breeding Plant professionals focus on designing and developing new plant varieties with specific traits, often leading breeding programs. Plant Breeding Technicians support these efforts by conducting experiments, collecting data, and maintaining breeding populations. Both roles require relevant education and work in similar environments, but Trait Breeding Plants typically hold more advanced responsibilities in trait development.

What are popular job titles related to Trait Breeding Plant jobs in Iowa?

For Trait Breeding Plant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trait Breeding Plant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Trait Breeding Plant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Trait Breeding Plant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Trait Breeding Plant job openings:

Trait Breeding Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trait Breeding Plant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Seed Warehouse and Shipping Technician

Confluence Genetics LLC

Altoona, IA • On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Temporary

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

About Confluence Genetics 
 Confluence Genetics develops soybean technologies and varieties that create value from farm-gate to feed, food and fuel end-markets by unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants. The Company leverages their proprietary CropOS™ machine learning platform with proprietary germplasm data and speed breeding technologies in our Crop Accelerator facility to drastically accelerate and simplify the product development process. This platform allows for cost-effective and more efficient ways to analyze and make improvements in plant genetics. Confluence Genetics brings a unique and holistic approach to our product and platform development, as we span a broader workflow involving trait and seed development, genome editing, and breeding all the way to creating better ingredients and varieties that tap a strong customer demand. More information can be found online at https://confluence.ag/.

 

Our Purpose and Core Values 

Our Core Values are a set of common principles we share that are fundamental to our company's identity. Real. Inspired!

  • Real. We show up with honesty, accountability, and purpose. We lead with integrity and speak with candor, knowing that trust and transparency drive performance. We challenge each other respectfully and stay grounded in what matters—our shared mission and one another.
  • Inspired! We’re driven by possibility and energized by progress. With open minds and a bold spirit, we embrace change, take smart risks, and push boundaries. We stay curious, creative, and connected to each other, our partners, and the future we’re building together.

 

Department Overview

The Field Operations Team is responsible for conducting a wide range of research activities, namely in the areas of trait discovery and validation, crop genetic engineering, crop transformation, molecular detection, biochemical assays, plant growth, and molecular breeding, to name a few. These activities are aimed at developing new capabilities in crop research, the outcome of which is then leveraged to create new product development opportunities and shorten the time to market. The department leverages its platform capabilities and extensive knowhow in biology and crop science, along with the computational expertise housed within the Data Science & Platform Engineering, as well as the market insights of the Business Development and Commercial teams to design and create new and improved crop varieties, which offer tangible benefits to farmers and consumers, specifically in the areas of sustainability, health and nutrition.

 

Position Summary

The Seasonal Technician will be responsible for assisting our field research operations team. Work will primarily consist of general seed processing, packaging, field data collection, plant harvesting, plant sampling, and riding in combine for seed collection. Supports activities by performing routine tasks under supervision. Follow protocols and safety procedures. 

 

You Will:

  • General seed handling tasks such as seed processing, packaging shipping, receiving, and sorting seed purposes.
  • Collect in field data on field plots
  • Ride in combine to assist in seed collection. 
  • Work with lab equipment
  • Work with plant threshing equipment 
  • Work around large equipment
  • Field maintenance activities. 
  • Sets up, adjusts, and operates equipment and instruments. 
  • Follow protocols to generate accurate operational data. 
  • Maintains clean facilities, equipment, and instruments.

 

 You Have:

(Competencies and Qualifications)

Education

  • HS/ GED 

Experience

No Experience needed Other 

  • Able to work 40 hrs per week; some weekend work will be required during peek weeks 
  • Able to lift a minimum of 40lbs. 
  • Willing to learn and ready to take on challenges.  
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, start-up company environment. 
  • Attention to detail, positive attitude, and works well within a group . 
  • Demonstrates an adaptable, attentive and thorough work ethic.  
  • Excellent planning, organization, and execution skills.
  • Attention to detail 
  • Collaborative 
  • Ability to focus and follow directions 
  • Dependable