Kraft Heinz is seeking a Junior Plant Pathologist to provide technical and process support in all aspects of seed health, plant health, and plant management for the Stockton farm greenhouse and open field plantings including tomato disease diagnosis, seed testing, and pathogen inoculation while collaborating with breeding team and farm operations.
Compensation Package
Base Salary Range: $68,900.00 – $86,100.00 annually
Bonus: Eligible for performance-based bonus
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO, and wellbeing programs
Position Overview
The Junior Plant Pathologist will work within Kraft Heinz’s Agriculture team to support seed research and development operations at the Stockton, California farm. While the role sits in the breeding team, you will collaborate closely with the Lead Pathologist, Manager of Seed Quality and Operations, breeders, farm management, greenhouse crews, molecular biologists, product development specialists, and QA/QC teams.
This position offers hands-on experience in seed health testing, disease management in greenhouse and field settings, tomato crop production, and pathology research supporting Kraft Heinz’s agricultural operations.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As Junior Plant Pathologist, you protect crop health through disease diagnosis and management, develop seed health protocols, support breeding programs, and ensure high-quality tomato production for Kraft Heinz products.
Primary Responsibilities
As Junior Plant Pathologist at Kraft Heinz Stockton, your responsibilities include:
Seed Health & Testing Protocols
- Work under guidance of Lead Pathologist to develop detailed, efficient, and high throughput seed extraction protocols
- Develop seed treatment protocols and seed health test procedures
- Supervise and audit execution of seed treatment processes
- Execute seed health tests using various methodologies
- Knowledge and/or experience in ELISA and PCR is plus
- Experience in seed testing and high throughput protocol development is advantageous
Greenhouse Disease Management
- Develop detailed greenhouse protocols to manage disease risks
- Execute plant health tests and scouting in greenhouse operations
- Monitor disease incidence and implement preventive measures
- Work closely with greenhouse crews on disease management strategies
Field Operations & Tomato Production
- Provide technical support for growing tomato plants in open fields and greenhouse settings
- Conduct scouting in open field operations for disease detection
- Experience in pathogen inoculation and tomato disease diagnosis is helpful
- Support Product Development (PD) and dealer variety trials in plant and seed health
Communication & Collaboration
- Track and communicate test results to breeding and farm operations teams
- Work closely with farm management and field operations to ensure good plant health
- Collaborate with internal and external parties in project execution, data interpretation, and reporting
- Ensure desired plant health goals are met collaboratively
Breeding Support & Data Collection
- Support breeding team in trial evaluation and data collection
- Assist with seed harvest operations
- Document observations and maintain accurate records
Special Projects
- Execute specific projects and procedures related to plant and seed health
- Support variety trials and experimental plantings
- Contribute to continuous improvement of pathology protocols
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this junior plant pathologist position must possess:
Educational Requirements (REQUIRED)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Plant Pathology
- Agriculture
- OR B.S. in Microbiology
- OR B.S. in Genetics
- OR B.S. in Horticulture
- OR related biology degrees
Professional Experience (PREFERRED)
- Working experience in seed industry is desirable but not required
- Experience in pathogen inoculation is helpful but not required
- Tomato disease diagnosis experience is helpful but not required
Technical Skills (PLUS)
- Knowledge and/or experience in ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a plus
- Knowledge and/or experience in PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a plus
- Experience in seed testing is a plus
- High throughput protocol development experience is a plus
Professional Attributes
- Good working ethics
- Strong attention to details
- Ability to work collaboratively in agricultural team environment
- Willingness to work in greenhouse and field conditions
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Kraft Heinz offers Total Rewards supporting diverse workforce:
Physical Wellbeing
- Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Health screenings and assessments
Social Wellbeing
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Leave of Absence options
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Recognition programs and training opportunities
Emotional Wellbeing
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing Programs and Family Support Programs
Financial Wellbeing
- 401k retirement savings plan
- Life Insurance
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage
- Disability insurance
Who Should Apply?
This plant pathology career in California is ideal for:
- Recent Graduates: In plant pathology or microbiology seeking agricultural careers
- Plant Pathologists: Looking for seed health and greenhouse pathology experience
- Agricultural Scientists: Interested in tomato crop disease management
- Seed Technologists: Wanting to specialize in plant pathology
- Biology Graduates: With interest in applied plant disease research
How to Apply
To apply for this Junior Plant Pathologist position at Kraft Heinz, submit:
- Updated resume highlighting B.S. in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Genetics, Horticulture, or related biology
- Cover letter explaining interest in seed health and plant pathology
- Any seed industry or tomato disease diagnosis experience (if applicable)
- ELISA or PCR experience details (if applicable)
- Academic transcripts or certificates
- Professional references
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