In order to support the tomato breeding program and strengthen our breeding team, KWS Vegetables is looking for a Breeding Technician - Tomato (m/f/d). The position will be unlimited and full-time. 

Job Purpose 

The Breeding Technician will play a critical role in executing and managing the operational breeding processes for the tomato crop, ensuring the long-term success and profitability of the breeding program. This position involves working closely with supervisors and other team members to optimize breeding trials, manage personnel, and maintain high-quality standards across all activities. 

Are you passionate about supporting innovative breeding programs and contributing to the development of commercially successful tomato varieties? If you thrive in a team environment and enjoy hands-on work in the field and greenhouses, then this is the role for you! 

What you can expect in this role: 

Development: 

• Execute, manage, monitor, and provide advice on operational breeding processes for tomato crops. 

• Ensure efficient and effective execution of breeding activities within budget and resource constraints. 

• Breeding Trials: 

• Organize and execute the sowing, planting, and harvesting of breeding trials, including crossing blocks, family plantings, and hybrid screenings. 

• Work closely with the farm team to manage crop health and maximize breeding output through proper disease control, timely fruit harvest, and other crop management activities. 

• Responsible for label printing for seeds, seedlings, and plants. 

• Collect phenotypic information following directions of their supervisors. Upload and download this information into data systems. Phenotypic information could include evaluations of Hybrids/lines. 

Basic Stock Seeds: 

• Oversee the production, storage, and elimination of seeds as directed by supervisors. 

• Ensure compliance with quality control protocols and hygiene standards. 

• Tissue Sampling and Data Collection: 

• Collect tissue samples for DNA extractions and disease testing. 

• Gather phenotypic data following supervisor instructions and manage its upload/download into data systems. 

Personnel Management: 

• Plan, organize, and distribute, in close collaboration with farm, daily work for temporary staff and ensure adherence to agreed standards, timelines, and budgets. 

• Provide technical advice and on-the-job training to temporary staff.

Communication and Collaboration: 

• Maintain close communication with farm technicians, temporary workers, pathology teams, screening specialists, and other breeding technicians. 

• Ensure alignment of phenotypic data collection across breeding program locations. 

• Frequent contact with other breeding and farm teams  

• Growers of external trial sites (Advisors/Contractors) 

What you bring in: 
 

• Education & Experience: 

• Secondary vocational education in agriculture, horticulture, or biology. 

• Minimum of two years of experience in a similar role. 

• Knowledge & Skills: 

• Working knowledge of horticulture, agronomy, and pathology, specifically related to tomatoes. 

• Strong organization and planning skills. 

• Basic computer skills and familiarity with management information systems. 

• Core Competencies: 

• Drive Results. 

• Collaborates effectively with diverse teams. 

• Focus on self-development and continuous learning. 

• Customer-focused mindset. 

• Strong planning and alignment capabilities. 

What we offer: 

• A dynamic and supportive work environment. 

• Opportunities to contribute to innovative tomato breeding projects. 

• Collaboration with an experienced and passionate team. 

• Professional development opportunities. 

Did we spark your interest? Then apply now via our online portal and send us your documents (cover letter, resume, certificates). We look forward to getting to know you!