Mission Ranches Seed Division is looking for a highly motivated Plant Breeder who has a strong agricultural background and who will be responsible for developing new and competitive leafy vegetable varieties.

As a plant breeder you will be required but not limited to:

• Maintain an accurate and well-organized breeding program. Including inventory of breeder/foundation seed to uphold the integrity of genetic material.
• Evaluate and make selections for desirable plant traits.
• Establish, sow, and evaluate breeding trials in Monterey, San Benito, San Joaquin, Imperial, and Yuma counties.
• Sow, transplant, harvest, and clean breeding seed inside and outside of greenhouse facility.
• Perform crosses/pollinations to incorporate necessary genetic traits into new and existing germplasm.
• Irrigate and water plants in greenhouses, including some weekends.
• Plant maintenance including pruning, trimming, fertilizing, staking, and tying. Monitor for plant diseases, spray pesticides, survey for insects, predatory insect dispersal, and record keeping.
• Provide assistance of stock seed increases.
• Perform general maintenance and repairs.
   
• May be required to work unusual hours and weekends.
• Must be able to work in the office, fields/greenhouses under some extreme weather conditions, be physically fit to walk, bend, kneel, squat, bend your neck, for long periods of times and lift up to 50 lbs.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Science, Botany, or equivalent required.
• 2-3 years of plant breeding experience, but also willing to hire plant breeder assistants/Jr. breeders who are looking for career advancement.
• Attention to small details and multi-task.
• Greenhouse experience desired.
• Strong computer skills (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint preferred).
• Ability to communicate proficiently in English and interact with all levels of the company.
• Communicate and discuss breeding strategies with other breeders to achieve company goals in an effective manner.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly desired.

Application

Please submit resume and cover letter to Barbara Meza, bmeza@missionranches.com

EOE