Breeder Technician

Ball Horticultural Company; Elburn (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, life insurance

401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan

Paid time off benefits

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Ball Horticultural Company is seeking a Breeder Technician to support breeding and research efforts, including sowing, transplanting, pollination, and seed data collection. You will work closely with breeders and technicians to keep breeding programs on schedule and maintain seed inventory in a collaborative greenhouse environment.

The role requires attention to detail, the ability to work both independently and with a team, and basic computer skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong communication skills required.
• Ability to work well independently and in groups.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Occasional travel between West Chicago, IL and Elburn, IL.

Responsibilities

• Sow seeds, transplant, maintain plants, pollinate and cross-pollinate, harvest and clean seed.
• Ensure breeding material quality and meet breeding timelines.
• Communicate with breeders, growers, supervisors, and technicians to ensure accurate work.
• Enter and maintain seed data records.
• Print labels accurately for seed lots.
• Assist in organized seed inventory and movement of plant materials.

Skills

Strong communication

Independent and team work

Basic computer skills

Good vision and hand-eye coordination

Detail-oriented

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Description

As a Breeder Technician, you will play a hands‑on role in supporting PanAmerican's breeding and research efforts to bring new, innovative flower and vegetable varieties to market. From sowing seed and transplanting to pollinating, cross‑pollinating, and harvesting and cleaning seed, your work will directly shape the quality of our breeding material and keep our breeding programs on schedule. You will partner closely with breeders, growers, supervisors, and fellow technicians, collect and record valuable flower and seed data, and help maintain an organized seed inventory and the smooth movement of plant materials. If you are detail‑oriented, enjoy working with plants, and want to see your work grow into the products of tomorrow, this is the role for you.

Responsibilities and duties

• Proficient and accurate execution of breeding and research tasks, such as: sowing seed, transplanting, plant maintenance, pollinating, cross‑pollinating, data collection, seed harvest, and seed cleaning.
• Ensure quality of breeding material and breeding timelines are being met.
• Communicate with breeders, grower staff, supervisors, and other technicians to ensure accurate execution of breeding related activities
• Proficient and accurate record flower and seed data entry
• Proficient and accurate label printing skills
• Assist in the maintenance of an organized seed inventory system
• Assist in ensuring organized movement of plant materials

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• Strong communication skills required.
• Ability to work well independently and in groups.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Good vision and hand-eye coordination to see and manipulate small objects (flower parts and seed)Partners with others to get work done
• Shows personal commitment and takes action to continuously improve
• Accepts assignments that broaden capabilities
• Pushes self and helps others achieve results
• Occasional travel between West Chicago, IL and Elburn, IL locations

Hourly Pay Range:

$18 - $20

Physical Requirements

• Ability to Lift/Carry up to 50 lbs 10% of the day
• Ability to push/pull up to 30 lbs 25% of the day
• Ability to sit/stand 100% of the day
• Ability to kneel/bend 30% of the day
• Ability to reach 10% of the day
• Ability to use hands/fingers 100% of the day
• Ability to work in a normal agricultural/farm and greenhouse environmental conditions including noise, odors, and temperature conditions for 100% of the day.

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.

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Medical, dental, life and long‑term disability insurance, paid parental leave
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance