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Vegetable Seed Production Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KAGOME

Foundation Seed Assistant

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$41K - $52K/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What began as a family-owned seed company grew into an international vegetable seed organization ... JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY Foundation Seed Assistant assists foundation seed production coordinator in ...

United Genetics

Foundation Seed Assistant

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What began as a family-owned seed company grew into an international vegetable seed organization ... JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY Foundation Seed Assistant assists foundation seed production coordinator in ...

Nacre Capital

Operations and Sales Intern

Salinas, CA

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

... vegetable seed markets. This is a dynamic, "hunter" role for a hands-on, commercially astute ... driven product rather than a traditional agricultural commodity. * Communication: Excellent ...

Nacre Capital

Operations and Sales Intern

Davis, CA

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

... vegetable seed markets. This is a dynamic, "hunter" role for a hands-on, commercially astute ... driven product rather than a traditional agricultural commodity. * Communication: Excellent ...

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Vegetable Seed Production information

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How much do vegetable seed production jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for vegetable seed production in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Vegetable Seed Production vs Vegetable Seed Technician?

AspectVegetable Seed ProductionVegetable Seed Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in agriculture or horticulture, with experience in seed productionOften requires a diploma or associate degree in agriculture or related field, with technical training
Work EnvironmentField farms, seed processing facilities, and research stationsLaboratories, seed processing plants, and field testing sites
Employer & Industry UsageSeed companies, agricultural cooperatives, research institutionsSeed companies, agricultural labs, research organizations

Vegetable Seed Production involves overseeing the entire process of growing, harvesting, and processing seeds for commercial sale, requiring broader knowledge of crop management. In contrast, a Vegetable Seed Technician focuses on testing, quality control, and technical support within seed production facilities. Both roles are essential in the seed industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in vegetable seed production?

To thrive in Vegetable Seed Production, you need expertise in plant biology, crop management, and seed technology, often supported by a degree in agriculture or related fields. Familiarity with field equipment, seed processing machinery, and agricultural management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure high-quality seed yields, adherence to industry standards, and efficient operation of production processes.

What is vegetable seed production?

Vegetable seed production is the process of growing, harvesting, and processing plants specifically for their seeds, which are then used to grow new vegetable crops. This involves selecting parent plants with desirable traits, carefully controlling pollination, and ensuring the seeds are viable and true to type. Proper management of disease, pests, and environmental factors is essential to produce high-quality seeds. The seeds are then cleaned, tested for quality, and packaged for sale or distribution to farmers and gardeners.

What are some common challenges faced in vegetable seed production, and how are they typically addressed?

In vegetable seed production, professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining genetic purity, controlling cross-pollination, and managing pests and diseases. These issues are addressed through careful field isolation, regular crop inspections, and integrated pest management practices. Working closely with agronomists and quality assurance teams is essential to ensure high-quality seed output, and ongoing training helps staff stay updated on best practices and regulatory requirements.
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What states have the most Vegetable Seed Production jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vegetable Seed Production jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Vegetable Seed Production jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Vegetable Seed Production jobs are:

Vegetable Seed Production jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vegetable Seed Production job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,008 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Seed Production Research Lead

Ball Horticultural Company

West Chicago, IL • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
PanAmerican Seed, a division of Ball Horticultural Company, is seeking an experienced and innovative Seed Production Research Lead to provide scientific and strategic leadership for global research initiatives focused on optimizing flower and vegetable seed production. As a leading breeder and producer of F1 hybrid and open-pollinated flower seed, PanAmerican Seed is committed to delivering high-quality genetics that create value throughout the supply chain-from grower to consumer.
In this role, you will lead global research programs that improve seed quality, production efficiency, and operational performance. You will design and execute research strategies, oversee laboratory and trial operations, and translate scientific findings into practical, commercially relevant solutions. Working closely with global Production, Breeding, Operations, and Commercial teams, you will help identify opportunities, drive innovation, and support continuous improvement across seed production systems.
In addition to technical leadership, you will manage and develop a research team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and scientific excellence.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Lead global research initiatives focused on improving flower and vegetable seed production systems.
  • Design, prioritize, and oversee greenhouse, laboratory, and field research trials, ensuring sound experimental design, accurate data collection, and meaningful analysis.
  • Analyze research results and develop practical recommendations to support data-driven business decisions.
  • Communicate research findings and project updates effectively to internal stakeholders and global teams.
  • Collaborate with Production, Breeding, Operations, and Commercial teams to align research priorities with business objectives.
  • Identify emerging technologies, production opportunities, and innovative solutions to improve seed production processes.
  • Develop research proposals, technical reports, and recommendations that support continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Lead multiple research projects across global locations while managing timelines, priorities, and resources.
  • Provide leadership, coaching, and performance feedback to research team members, fostering professional development and technical growth.
  • Assign and prioritize work to ensure research objectives and operational goals are achieved.
  • Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including staffing, resource allocation, safety compliance, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and innovative team environment that encourages continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
  • Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in seed production research.
  • Perform other duties as needed to support departmental and organizational goals.

Requirements
  • Ph.D. preferred but not required. Candidates with a master's degree and demonstrated research, laboratory management, and leadership experience are encouraged to apply.
  • Proven experience in seed production, horticulture, plant science, agricultural research, or a related field.
  • Experience designing, managing, and executing greenhouse, laboratory, and field research trials.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret research data and translate findings into practical business solutions.
  • Demonstrated experience leading research projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams in a global environment.
  • Proven leadership experience, including setting priorities, delegating work, developing team members, and driving accountability.
  • Experience managing laboratory operations, including safety, regulatory compliance, quality standards, and research resources.
  • Experience with greenhouse environmental control systems, fertigation, integrated pest management (IPM), F1 crop pollination, and seed production practices is highly desirable.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
  • Ability to work effectively across cultures and global locations.

Salary Range: $90k-$120k
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, and use hands/fingers for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments.
  • Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including heat and humidity.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10-15% of the time.

Our promise to you
Ball is a global leader in horticulture: we develop, produce, and sell plants around the world. Our vision is to color the world through our customers. We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable.
In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:
  • Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
  • 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
  • Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
  • Tuition assistance
  • An onsite subsidized café overlooking 30 acres of renowned display gardens and
  • restored natural areas
  • Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs

Apply