Plant Breeder

Are you passionate about discovering and introducing the best woody ornamentals to the globally recognized Proven Winners® ColorChoice® brand? Since 2004, our brand has been at the forefront of introducing new shrubs, and this role offers you the opportunity to work with a wide array of plant genera and collaborate with a team on plant evaluations and product development strategies.

Plant Breeder will be responsible for researching specific groups of genera and develop and facilitate a breeding plan. Utilize traditional, as well as, next-generation breeding techniques, embryo rescue, ploidy manipulation, and mutagenesis. This position will involve seedling selection, plant rogueing, and experiment documentation. Assist in growing and production aspects of new plants and systems for breeding activities. Enjoy being part of a team motivated to bring the best varieties to market.  Reporting to Breeding Manager.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Research specific assigned genera.
• Unique traits of interest, base chromosome numbers, ploidy levels, phylogenetics, new cultivars of value, wild germplasm of value, the heritability of traits, and prior breeding efforts.
• Discuss breeding plans and ideas with the Plant Breeding Manager.
• Execute crosses with a team through hand pollination, fly cages, bee cages, etc.
• Utilize traditional breeding, mutation breeding, ploidy manipulation, radiation, and chemical techniques.
• Source germplasm and plant material for breeding purposes.
• Schedule fruit/seed collection and processing.
• Evaluate, sort and rogue seedlings.
• Select, document and request propagation of new varieties.
• Take pictures, record notes on selection and request propagation of new selections.
• Join relevant plant societies and attend industry and plant breeding events to network and continue self-development.

• Schedule, track, manage stock plants, pollen collection and storage.
• Maintain small lots of plants for breeding purposes.
• Assist with seed germination plan.
• Maintain and store collected seed.
• Over winter seed and prepare for germination.
• Continuous improvement on germination rates.
• Use facilities and develop proposals to speed up the process.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other related duties as required.
• Follow Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Employee Handbook
• Follow Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Safety Handbook.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• BS required, Master’s or Ph.D. preferred; in horticulture, genetics, biology or related field and hands-on experience in plant breeding and plant mutation techniques. Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work both independently and as a team. Must be creative, innovative, and be a results-oriented team player. Computer skills are required for the nursery database as well as proficiency in Excel and Word.
• Must possess the ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move 30 pounds

Performance Requirements:

• Must maintain a level of performance equivalent to company standards, that being a “Meets Expectations” in all areas of your performance evaluations (including but not limited to, Self and Management reviews).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.