Introduction:

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.

Description:

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.

Requirements:

REQUIREMENTS

• B.Sc (Plant Breeding/Genetics) Essential


• 1-3 years experience