Plant Breeder, Spinach

SeedQuest; Burlington (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Program + Company Match

Paid Vacation

Job summary

A leading agricultural company in Burlington, Washington is looking for a Plant Breeder to develop and manage hybrid plant varieties. This role involves researching and implementing advanced breeding techniques, coordinating trials, and engaging with various departments. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in plant breeding or genetics, along with at least three years of experience. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• A minimum of three years' experience in plant breeding is desired.
• Ability to communicate well in written and spoken English.
• Strong working knowledge of plant breeding principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop hybrid varieties for domestic and international markets.
• Manage the breeding program using the company database.
• Advance hybrids via the Nomination Portal.

Skills

Mendelian genetics

Quantitative genetics

Molecular markers

Database management

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Ph.D. in plant breeding/genetics or related field

Job description

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located.

Location: Burlington, Washington, USA

Requisition ID:1108

Salary Range: $90,000.00 to $115,000.00 annually

JOB SUMMARY

Goals of assigned program are determined in collaboration with the Senior Plant Breeder, Product Manager and Research Manager. The plant breeder is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating research and development activities necessary to achieve the goals. Basic mission of this position is to develop or encourage the development of state‑of‑the‑art proprietary products for Sakata Seed America.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, maintain, and improve hybrid varieties for domestic and international markets.
• Coordinate and place trials in major market areas and travel to these areas for evaluation of entries.
• Manage the breeding program using the company plant breeding database for all aspects of plant breeding such as recording passport data for germplasm accessions, selection nurseries, crossing blocks, hybrid trials, and data analysis.
• Advance hybrids via the Nomination Portal. Write descriptions of varieties in Nomination Portal. Fulfill requirements for variety advancement through documentation of performance, documentation of resistance, and completion of required breeder’s seed.
• Provide summarized results or Proving Data in Nomination Portal.
• On assigned species, assist in preparing market analysis and product profiles for product introduction and customer support. Work with Sales Department and/or Product Manager in designing and evaluating trials of advancing experimental varieties.
• Planning crossing blocks, isolation tents, nurseries, and field trials, managing field selection and evaluation of assigned species.
• Design breeding strategies and maintain breeding lines, including the collection and incorporation of new germplasm. Screen and select horticulturally acceptable and disease‑resistant material from breeding nurseries, laboratory and field screens.
• Provide Production department with required amount of Breeder’s seed of parent lines of advancing hybrids along with Inbred (parent) Line Descriptions. Coordinate plant selection for production of quality stock seed. Work with plant pathology to identify and implement reliable assays and ensure production of adequate quantities of disease‑free basic seed.
• Attend selected professional conferences and seminars and maintain networks with the scientific community to stay at the technological forefront in assigned species.
• Assist other breeding programs when necessary and/or assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain current and accurate records of breeding program.
• Supervisory responsibilities for regular and temporary personnel within assigned project.
• Interact and participate in project related efforts with Pathology, Biotechnology, Sales, Quality Assurance, and Production.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• A strong working knowledge of plant breeding principles including Mendelian genetics, quantitative genetics, molecular markers, and trialing strategies.
• The ability to organize and plan effectively and to communicate effectively with personnel within the company, the public, growers, and dealers. The ability to disseminate information either verbally or through written reports.
• An up‑to‑date understanding of the latest breeding technologies and preferably some experience in their implementation. An understanding of how to successfully execute GWAS/GWS projects and ideas on how to implement them in vegetable programs.
• Computer and database skills including coding, querying, managing large complex data sets.
• The ability to lead and to motivate assistants, technicians, and part‑time labor in assigned species to achieve objectives. The ability to manage resources while implementing a plan and staying on budget.
• Ability to handle stress, especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload.
• Ability to communicate well in written and spoken English. Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Japanese desired.
• Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Formal education requirement is a Ph.D. degree in plant breeding/genetics or related field.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND

• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in plant breeding is desired.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be willing to travel extensively domestically and internationally
• Must be able to work with Federally approved chemicals used in agriculture and possible irritating substances.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required (sunscreen, hat, back belt).
• Must be able to work under different weather conditions such as extremes of temperature (heat and cold), dampness, rain and sun exposure.
• Must be able to work in dusty conditions.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work long and irregular hours.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis.

BENEFITS

Health & Wellness

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Monthly Wellness Stipend
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Disability Insurance (plans vary by location)

Financial Benefits

• 401(k) Program + Company Match
• Profit Sharing Program (via 401(k))
• Holiday Bonus
• Performance Incentive Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 529 College‑Savings Plan
• Company-Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance

Time Off & Flexibility

• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave
• 14 Paid Company Holidays
• 2 Floating Holidays
• Birthday Off

*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.