Junior Breeder

Enza Zaden; San Juan Bautista (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Monthly fitness reimbursement

Discretionary bonus plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Enza Zaden in San Juan Bautista, CA seeks a Junior Breeder—an entry-level professional who will learn the breeding process under a Senior Breeder. You will assist with planning, evaluation, recordkeeping, trial management, and applying new technologies and traits to improve crops.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in plant breeding or related field, strong English and local language skills, and readiness to work in greenhouse, field, and lab environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in plant breeding or related field.
• No prior professional experience required.
• Internship, greenhouse, field trial, or agricultural experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop knowledge to plan breeding project activities.
• Translate targets into operational breeding plans.
• Support project planning under Senior Breeder guidance.
• Execute breeding activities effectively under supervision.
• Perform plant and line selections at key stages of breeding cycles.
• Participate in field, greenhouse, lab, and trial activities.
• Maintain accurate breeding records throughout cycles.
• Document observations, selections, trial data, and activities.

Skills

English proficiency

Language skills

Team collaboration

Recordkeeping

Excel

Outlook

Education

Bachelor's degree in Plant Breeding / related field

Tools

Varmas

Job description

Position Purpose The Junior Breeder is an entry-level professional position designed to develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, and breeding expertise necessary to become a successful Breeder within a specific crop. Under the close guidance and supervision of a Senior Breeder, the Junior Breeder supports breeding activities while progressively learning all aspects of the breeding process, including planning, selection, evaluation, recordkeeping, trial management, and the implementation of new technologies and traits.

Location

San Juan Bautista, CA

Department

Watermelon

Schedule

Full-Time, Exempt

Position Purpose The Junior Breeder is an entry-level professional position designed to develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, and breeding expertise necessary to become a successful Breeder within a specific crop. Under the close guidance and supervision of a Senior Breeder, the Junior Breeder supports breeding activities while progressively learning all aspects of the breeding process, including planning, selection, evaluation, recordkeeping, trial management, and the implementation of new technologies and traits.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop the knowledge and skills required to plan breeding project activities.
• Learn to translate established breeding targets into operational breeding plans.
• Support project planning activities under the guidance of the Senior Breeder.
• Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to execute breeding project activities effectively.
• Learn to perform plant and line selections at critical stages of the breeding cycle.
• Participate in field, greenhouse, laboratory, and trial activities as required.
• Develop the ability to maintain accurate and detailed breeding records throughout breeding cycles.
• Ensure observations, selections, trial data, and breeding activities are properly documented in designated systems.
• Develop the knowledge and skills required to evaluate and advance breeding material to the R2 stage.
• Support the planning and execution of trial productions and screening trials.
• Participate in material evaluations and data analysis activities.
• Develop the capability to prepare and transfer R3 breeding material to Seed Production according to established specifications.
• Learn to register breeding material and related information in designated systems, currently Varmas.
• Assist with maintaining data accuracy and compliance with breeding procedures.
• Develop the knowledge and skills required to implement newly developed technologies, tools, and traits within breeding programs.
• Support efforts to integrate innovative breeding methodologies and processes.
• Work closely with the Senior Breeder in collaboration, coaching, training, and ongoing development of breeding knowledge and skills

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Sciences, Agronomy, Genetics, Biology, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related scientific discipline preferably.
• No prior professional experience required.
• Internship, academic research, greenhouse, field trial, or agricultural experience is considered an advantage.

Required Skills Qualifications

• Proficiency in English and the local language, both written and verbal.
• Strong interest in plant breeding, genetics, and crop improvement.
• Ability to learn technical concepts and apply them in practical breeding environments.
• Strong observational and analytical skills.
• Detail-oriented with good recordkeeping and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn breeding databases and systems.
• Proficient in the use of Excel and Outlook.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Must be an eligible driver under our insurance policy.

Working Conditions

• Occasionally required to work under pressure to meet breeding cycle timelines.
• Frequent work in controlled environments, including greenhouses and growth chambers with elevated temperatures.
• Regular work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and move items up to 25 - 30 lbs. and perform repetitive tasks during field and greenhouse activities.
• Travel is required within specific regions 10% domestic/international.

Compensation & Benefits

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the pay range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, and other objective job-related factors.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000

The starting salary is offered in good faith, based on role level, skills, qualifications, and local market data.

Enza Zaden offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid personal and volunteer time off
• Monthly fitness reimbursement
• Eligibility for a discretionary bonus plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

More details about benefits will be provided during the application process.

Enza Zaden as Your Employer

With more than 3,000 passionate team members across the world, we're on a daily mission to develop the finest vegetable varieties. Our goal is to deliver seeds with that special something: vegetables with better taste, better yields, and better resistance.

For more than 86 years, our family values, passion, independence, and focus on innovation have set us apart. Every day, more than 480 million people enjoy vegetables grown from Enza Zaden seeds. We continue to grow and innovate together, valuing every employee's contribution and providing opportunities for professional and personal growth.

What You Can Expect From Us

As a family-owned company, we support our employees in thriving both professionally and personally.

• Active partnership in your professional development and career growth
• Tailored leadership development programs
• Access to a global e-learning platform
• A collaborative and innovative work environment
• Opportunities to make a meaningful impact in sustainable agriculture

Join us for a career that grows with you.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Enza Zaden is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience. If you require accommodations during the selection process, please let us know.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.