elburn Work Opportunities ∙ Page 1

The role of an Assistant Plant Breeder at Ball Horticultural is to support, implement, and evaluate high-priority plant breeding program components under the supervision of a Plant Breeder. This includes coordinating and implementing breeding trials, recording and aggregating relevant data, working with external departments to support program objectives, and maintaining records as needed. This position offers a unique opportunity for training in ornamental plant breeding, including the potential for independent breeding projects. The ideal candidate is not only a highly organized, clear communicator, but they are also excited to positively impact the horticultural industry and engage with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Assist in the execution of breeding trials designed by Plant Breeders.
• Oversee and support breeding and plant production processes to ensure breeders can meet their program objectives. This includes regular monitoring of plants in the greenhouse/field and seed processing.
• Aid Plant Breeders in an administrative capacity, including management of the breeding database, collecting and recording observations, compiling reports, and submitting internal forms as needed to ensure high quality product development.
• Assist the Breeder Technician Supervisor in the coordination and delegation of tasks to Breeder Technicians. Supports the training and development of Breeder Technicians.
• Improve the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of by developing operating procedures, conducting training, and identifying useful technology and tools.
• Ensure timely and clear communication with support teams in Production, Ball Helix, Product Management, Facilities and Operations, and Trial Managers at off-site locations to ensure satisfactory completion of R&D projects. 
• As part of training and to gain proficiency, an Assistant Plant Breeder may also have some small, limited plant breeding projects of their own, assigned by a senior Plant Breeder as part of the overall R&D strategic goals.
• Other duties and responsibilities as determined by the Supervisor.

• Bachelor’s degree in plant sciences with 1+ year of experience preferred. Associate’s degree with 3+ years of experience will be considered. 
• Experience working hands-on with plants and a general passion for Horticulture is a major requirement.
• Command of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, other) and database experience. Experience with introductory data analysis is preferred.
• Effective communication with both written and verbal communication proficiency.
• Proven ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a matrix organization. Experience leading small teams preferred.
• Action-oriented- Demonstrates drive, motivation and organizational skills. Appropriately uses critical observation skills to make decisions and take initiative.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling interaction with a wide range of skill levels and personalities. 
• Domestic travel (~10-15%) as directed by Supervisor  

Pay Range: $24-30/hour

Physical Requirements

• Ability to be on your feet for long periods of time
• Ability to work in a field or greenhouse environment with long periods of standing up to 50% of the day.
• Ability to lift or move 40lbs for <5% of the day.

Our promise to you: 

We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable. 

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes: 

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs
• An onsite subsidized café overlooking renowned display gardens and restored natural areas