Breeder Assistant- Melon & Watermelon

Syngenta Group • Woodland, CA

3d • $56,000 - $84,000

About The Position

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs. Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions. Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. Assist breeders with all field activities , from sowing to harvesting, including crop management, trial preparation, and seed inventory control. Support the execution of breeding trials , including planting, maintenance, data collection, statistical analysis, and database management. Collaborate with internal teams (Production, Product Development, Operations) and external cooperators to ensure efficient planning and execution of trials. Participate in field days engaging with customers. Manage the germplasm bank to ensure accurate records and accessibility for research programs. Execute genotyping projects (Synvep), including fingerprinting activities for inbred lines within the breeding platform. Develop and implement planting protocols , phytopathology sanitation practices, and good field management practices to improve trial quality and seed health. Contribute to the digitalization and communication of HSE activities to strengthen compliance and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of breeding program operations, trial design, and agricultural practices.
• Experience with data collection, statistical analysis, and database management systems.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Effective communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and external collaborators.
• Ability to work in field and greenhouse environments for extended periods.
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10%.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with molecular tools (genotyping, fingerprinting) is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist breeders with all field activities , from sowing to harvesting, including crop management, trial preparation, and seed inventory control.
• Support the execution of breeding trials , including planting, maintenance, data collection, statistical analysis, and database management.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Production, Product Development, Operations) and external cooperators to ensure efficient planning and execution of trials.
• Participate in field days engaging with customers.
• Manage the germplasm bank to ensure accurate records and accessibility for research programs.
• Execute genotyping projects (Synvep), including fingerprinting activities for inbred lines within the breeding platform.
• Develop and implement planting protocols , phytopathology sanitation practices, and good field management practices to improve trial quality and seed health.
• Contribute to the digitalization and communication of HSE activities to strengthen compliance and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members.
• Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees