Junior Breeder

About the role

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.

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.