Junior Breeder
The Junior Breeder role at Confidential Client is an entry-level position focused on developing technical expertise and practical skills in plant breeding under the mentorship of a Senior Breeder. Responsibilities include supporting breeding project planning, performing selections, managing trials, maintaining detailed records, and integrating new breeding technologies to advance crop improvement efforts. This position offers hands-on experience in greenhouse, field, and laboratory environments, contributing to sustainable agriculture and innovative vegetable variety development.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Junior Breeder — San Juan Bautista, CA. This entry-level plant breeding role is an opportunity to develop hands-on breeding skills across greenhouse, field, and lab environments under close mentorship. Employment type: Full-time (Contractor possible). Estimated starting salary range: $70,000 - $80,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities
- Support planning and execution of breeding project activities under the guidance of a Senior Breeder.
- Learn to translate breeding targets into operational plans and timelines.
- Participate in plant and line selections at key stages of the breeding cycle.
- Assist in field, greenhouse, laboratory, and trial work including planting, data collection, and sample handling.
- Maintain accurate breeding records and register material in designated systems (currently Varmas).
- Support trial production, screening trials, and material evaluations through data collection and basic analyses.
- Assist with preparing and transferring R3 breeding material to Seed Production per specifications.
- Contribute to integrating new tools, technologies, and traits into breeding programs.
- Work closely with senior team members for coaching, training, and skills development.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Sciences, Agronomy, Genetics, Biology, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
- No prior professional experience required; internships, academic research, greenhouse, field-trial, or agricultural experience are advantages.
- Valid driver’s license and eligibility to be insured as a driver.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong interest in plant breeding, genetics, and crop improvement.
- Good observational, analytical, and recordkeeping skills.
- Detail-oriented and well organized.
- Ability to learn technical concepts and apply them practically.
- Team player with strong verbal and written English communication skills.
- Basic computer proficiency; comfortable learning breeding databases and systems.
- Proficient with Excel and Outlook.
Working Conditions
- Regular work outdoors and in greenhouses/growth chambers; may involve elevated temperatures.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25–30 lbs and perform repetitive physical tasks during field and greenhouse activities.
- Occasional pressure to meet breeding cycle timelines.
- Travel within specific regions expected (~10% domestic/international).
Compensation & Benefits
The estimated starting salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000 per year. Final compensation depends on experience, skills, education, and other objective job-related factors.
Confidential Client offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible full-time employees, which may include:
- 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.
About Confidential Client
Confidential Client is a global organization in the Scientific & QA space focused on developing high-quality vegetable varieties and advancing sustainable agriculture. The team values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth while delivering products that improve yield, taste, and crop resilience.
What You’ll Gain / Career Development
- Structured mentorship with Senior Breeders and technical teams.
- Hands-on exposure to breeding cycles, trial management, and breeding databases.
- Access to professional development and training resources.
- Opportunities to advance to Breeder roles as technical skills and experience grow.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Confidential Client is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require accommodations during the selection process, please inform Careertakes so we can arrange appropriate support.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range