Plant Breeder Walberton Nursery Ltd

Tristram Plants; Walberton; Remote; GBP 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Walberton Plants is seeking a motivated Plant Breeder to join our Walberton Nursery team. You will lead breeding projects, develop new ornamental varieties, and select genetics aligned with commercial objectives.

You will use hand pollination, clonal selection and seed collection, while maintaining breeding records and contributing to market-driven research and production handoffs. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• For the role, a Level 6/degree in horticulture, botany, plant science or related discipline.
• Understanding of plant genetics and breeding principles.
• Commercial horticultural experience.
• Plant breeding experience is desirable.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills.
• Experience managing technical data.
• Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Planning and managing plant breeding projects from concept through to commercial evaluation.
• Developing new, novel and commercially viable ornamental plant varieties.
• Selecting superior genetics and evaluating breeding material against commercial objectives.
• Carrying out specialist breeding techniques including hand pollination, clonal selection, seed collection and cleaning.
• Monitoring breeding populations for key traits.
• Recording detailed trial data and maintaining accurate breeding records and databases.
• Producing technical reports to support PBR and Plant Patent applications.
• Researching market trends, plant genetics and breeding developments.
• Working closely with production teams to transition selections into commercial production.
• Undertaking general nursery tasks and collaborating with internal and external partners.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Education

Level 6 degree in horticulture/botany/plant science

Tools

Plant genetics

Job description

Join our Plant Breeding Team

Walberton Nursery is passionate about developing innovative and exceptional new plant varieties for our UK market, and for growers and gardeners around the world.

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Plant Breeder to join our specialist breeding department. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong horticultural and botanical background who is passionate about plant genetics, innovation and bringing new commercial varieties to market.

Working alongside our Plant Breeding Technician and wider nursery team, you will play a key role in delivering the long-term objectives of Walberton’s breeding program by developing and selecting commercially successful ornamental plant varieties using a range of breeding techniques.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Planning and managing plant breeding projects from concept through to commercial evaluation.


• Developing new, novel and commercially viable ornamental plant varieties.


• Selecting superior genetics and evaluating breeding material against commercial objectives.


• Carrying out specialist breeding techniques including hand pollination, clonal selection, seed collection and cleaning.


• Monitoring breeding populations for key traits.


• Recording detailed trial data and maintaining accurate breeding records and databases.


• Producing technical reports to support PBR and Plant Patent applications.


• Researching market trends, plant genetics and breeding developments.


• Working closely with production teams to transition successful selections into commercial production.


• Undertaking general nursery tasks and collaborating with internal and external partners.

What We’re Looking For

• Level 6/degree qualification in horticulture, botany, plant science or related discipline.


• Understanding of plant genetics and breeding principles.


• Commercial horticultural experience.


• Plant breeding experience desirable.


• Strong analytical and organisational skills.


• Experience managing technical data.


• Microsoft Office skills.


• Excellent communication and teamwork.

Why Join Walberton Plants?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative ornamental plants sold across international markets and help shape the future of our breeding programme.

Salary: £29,000 to £37,000 (dependent on experience)