Plant Breeder

About the role

Help shape the next generation of ornamental varieties. PanAmerican Seed, a division of Ball Horticulture Company, is seeking a curious, and innovative Plant Breeder to join our R&D Breeding team in Guadalupe, California.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage assigned breeding projects and breeding activities across multiple seasons.
• Advance breeding populations through crossing, selection, trial evaluation, and data-driven decision making.
• Develop improved varieties/hybrids that meet breeding objectives for quality, performance, and commercial success.
• Contribute to breeding strategy and project objectives in partnership with the North American Breeding Director and Product Management.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Supply Chain, Pathology, Product Management, and other R&D teams to support successful product development and reliable seed production.
• Share technical knowledge with colleagues and support the development of junior team members.
• Represent breeding during internal meetings, grower visits, trials, and industry interactions.
• Travel approximately 25% domestically and internationally to evaluate trials, collaborate with colleagues, and monitor industry trends.

Requirements

• Required Ph.D., M.S., or B.S. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of plant breeding principles, and the application modern breeding tools and technologies to improve breeding outcomes.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across scientific disciplines and functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.

What Success Looks Like

Successful candidates will:

• Deliver breeding progress that supports PanAmerican Seed’s product pipeline and long term business objectives.
• Make sound, data-driven breeding decisions.
• Build strong partnerships across R&D and commercial teams.
• Continuously improve breeding methods and workflows.
• Demonstrate scientific curiosity, ownership, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Pay

$83,000 to $120,000 a year