Plant Breeder

Job Description

Ball Flora Plant is seeking a Plant Breeder with deep experience in vegetatively propagated ornamental crops. Reporting to the North American Breeding Director, this role is well suited for a breeder who enjoys owning programs end-to-end—from setting breeding direction through variety release—while staying closely connected to the work itself.

Based at Guadalupe, California, the role requires strong communication, collaboration, and sound judgment to move ideas efficiently from breeding to commercial reality.

• Lead breeding programs for high-value vegetatively propagated crops from germplasm development through commercial release.
• Set breeding priorities and make advancement decisions that balance innovation, risk, and time-to-market.
• Stay hands-on with breeding activities while mentoring one direct report and supporting technical development.
• Translate grower, market, and production needs into clear, actionable breeding targets.
• Drive steady progress in trial performance, selection quality, and release readiness.
• Apply modern breeding tools and data-driven approaches to improve efficiency and decision-making.
• Work closely with production, supply chain, pathology, and product teams to ensure varieties are scalable and reliable.
• Travel (~25%) to review trials, engage with growers, and stay connected to global market trends.

• Ph.D. with 5+ years, M.S. with 6+ years, or B.S. with 9+ years of applied experience in clonal ornamental breeding or related crops.
• Proven track record of owning breeding programs and delivering commercially successful varieties.
• Strong foundation in plant breeding, genetics, and applied use of modern breeding tools.
• Comfortable making clear decisions and trade-offs in real-world, production-focused environments.
• Collaborative communicator who connects technical work to practical outcomes.
• Willingness to relocate to Guadalupe, CA, and travel domestically and internationally.
• Strategic program ownership and prioritization.
• Clear, adaptable communication across functions.
• Commercial and market-focused thinking.
• Sound decision-making in dynamic environments.
• Collaborative, practical problem-solving.

$110-145k

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work in hot and cold temperature environments.
• Ability to see and manipulate small objects (flower parts).
• Must possess the ability to walk and maneuver through the greenhouse and in between benches.

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k)/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan.
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs.