Starke Ayres: Junior Plant Breeder

Overview

Starke Ayres is the foremost African specialist and global supplier of premium vegetable, flower and lawn seed varieties – both for commercial and home garden planting. The following position has become available for a Junior Plant Breeder for Zucchini, based in Kempton Park.

• Manage and execute a crop breeding programme aligned with business and market objectives.
• Develop, evaluate, and maintain germplasm and breeding populations.
• Select and develop inbred lines, varieties, and hybrid combinations with commercial potential.
• Collaborate with pathology, biotechnology, production, and marketing teams to achieve breeding objectives.
• Plan, coordinate, and monitor breeding activities, ensuring quality standards and timelines are met.
• Design, establish, and evaluate field trials both on-station and at external trial sites.
• Analyse, interpret, and present breeding and trial data to support decision-making.
• Maintain accurate breeding records, databases, and programme documentation.
• Ensure availability of seed, germplasm, and trial materials required for breeding activities.
• Coordinate trial planting, harvesting, data collection, and reporting processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve breeding methods, processes, and resource utilization.
• Monitor industry trends, market requirements, and emerging technologies relevant to crop improvement.
• Participate in research collaborations, industry events, field days, and professional development activities.
• Provide technical support and contribute to crop-related problem-solving initiatives.
• Work closely with farm managers, supervisors, and research teams to ensure successful programme execution.

• B.Sc (Plant Breeding/Genetics) Essential
• 1-3 years experience

Work Level: Skilled

Job Type: Permanent

Salary: Market Related

EE Position: No

Location: Kempton Park