Plant Breeder

Key Responsibilities

• Lead breeding programs for high-value vegetatively propagated crops from germplasm development through commercial release.
• Set breeding priorities and make advancement decisions that balance innovation, risk, and time-to-market.
• Stay hands-on with breeding activities while mentoring one direct report and supporting technical development.
• Translate grower, market, and production needs into clear, actionable breeding targets.
• Drive steady progress in trial performance, selection quality, and release readiness.
• Apply modern breeding tools and data-driven approaches to improve efficiency and decision-making.
• Work closely with production, supply chain, pathology, and product teams to ensure varieties are scalable and reliable.
• Travel (~25%) to review trials, engage with growers, and stay connected to global market trends.

Requirements

• Ph.D. with 5+ years, M.S. with 6+ years, or B.S. with 9+ years of applied experience in clonal ornamental breeding or related crops.
• Proven track record of owning breeding programs and delivering commercially successful varieties.
• Strong foundation in plant breeding, genetics, and applied use of modern breeding tools.
• Comfortable making clear decisions and trade-offs in real-world, production-focused environments.
• Collaborative communicator who connects technical work to practical outcomes.
• Willingness to relocate to Guadalupe, CA, and travel domestically and internationally.
• Strategic program ownership and prioritization
• Clear, adaptable communication across functions
• Commercial and market-focused thinking
• Sound decision-making in dynamic environments
• Collaborative, practical problem-solving

Qualifications

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work in hot and cold temperature environments
• Ability to see and manipulate small objects (flower parts)
• Must possess the ability to walk and maneuver through the greenhouse and in between benches and stand for long periods of time.

Benefits

Ball FloraPlant offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs

Pay

$110-145k

Schedule

N/A