Position Summary

The primary function of this position is to develop proprietary commercial varieties of onion, carrot, swiss chard & cucumber for Johnny's Selected Seeds. The position is based at the research farm in Albion, Maine and reports to the Vice President of Research and Development. The farming operations is part of a larger integrated Plant Breeding and Product Development team that breeds and trials many other vegetable crops. Two Breeding Technicians report to this position.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of varietal development in the biennial & cucumber breeding program
• Develop breeding objectives with a cross-functional product team that supports Johnny's mission
• Coordinate and manage cooperative breeding efforts with other companies and independent breeders
• Maintain clear and accurate breeding records following JSS data management guidelines
• Manage a robust marker assisted selection program using an outsourced service
• Conduct disease resistance breeding using field selection and verification assays
• Develop and implement breeding nursery and crossing block planting plans that meet sowing deadlines
• Manage winter nurseries to accelerate generation advancement
• Manage and evaluate off- site breeder seed productions for biennials
• Execute hybrid pre-selection using a winter nursery to accelerate product delivery
• Conduct experimental variety and hybrid evaluations and propose advancements
• Manage off-site continuous nurseries for hybrid and parent line productions
• Deliver genetically fixed parent lines to the production department following company guidelines
• Support regional variety trials with the Regional Trials Coordinator
• Manage the breeding program budget
• Management of direct reports and performance reviews
• Support and mentor employee development plans
• Promote Johnny's mission and breeding activities through public workshops and forums as needed
• Maintain good Inter department communications and relationships
• Staff recruitment and hiring

Education

• An M.S or Ph.D. in Plant Breeding or Horticulture and Genetics
• Understanding of plant breeding principles, breeding methods, and strategy
• Knowledge of genetics, plant pathology, entomology, and plant physiology
• Understanding of molecular markers

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with variety and inbred line development of vegetable crops preferred
• Experience with the evaluation of hybrid and variety trials
• Use of molecular markers, marker assisted selection and application of markers in breeding
• Understanding of trial design and analysis
• Willingness to taste test and select for flavor and eating quality required
• Experience with organic farming methods and mixed-market growers desirable
• Good leadership skills, with the ability to set direction and empower employees
• Ability to set priorities, plan accordingly and direct daily activities of the program
• A creative thinker with innovative and practical solutions
• Good communication, negotiation, and listening skills
• A good work ethic and comfort with hands-on activities in the field and in the greenhouse
• A positive job attitude and enjoyment of working with a diverse group of people
• Support a culture of continuous improvement
• Effective team player who can interact constructively with research staff
• Good computer skills, with experience using the Microsoft Office suite of software programs

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in farm fields for extended periods of time and under adverse or extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work in a greenhouse environment for extended periods of time.
• Ability to travel as needed both domestically & internationally.
• Ability to sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time.
• Ability to bend over and lift up to 50 lbs.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (HMO, PPO, HSA)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing
• 401(k)
• Employee Discount
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Educational Assistance 

JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS was established in 1973 by our Founder, Rob Johnston, Jr. Today we are 100% Employee Owned. Johnny’s mission is Helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service.

Johnny’s is renowned for our exceptional customer service offering seeds, tools, supplies and information to direct-market growers and avid home gardeners. We source, breed, trial, and sell outstanding selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally.

We are a strong, stable company focused on growth while still maintaining our small company feel and staying true to our roots. Beautiful Central Maine, where our research farm, warehouse, and offices are located, is the perfect launching point for an active, four-season lifestyle. Geographically situated halfway between Maine’s mountains and its 4500-mile-long coastline, we’re a short drive away from resorts, parks, and harbors renowned for a rich diversity of recreational and cultural opportunities.

If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with fellow co-owners who are passionate about our mission and values, Johnny’s may be the place for you!

Johnny’s Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

5/05/2025