Horticulture Seed Intern

Horticulture Vegetable Seed Research, Intern Opportunity

Seneca Vegetable Research Inc.
(PO Box 128 Hall, NY 14463)
5267 Flat St. 
Geneva, NY 14456
585-526-7044

Tim Whitwood (primary contact) (tim@senecavegetable.com)
Dr. Walt Whitwood 
Pat Whitwood 

Seneca Vegetable Research Inc. is a family-owned vegetable seed company focused on the breeding, trialing support, and innovation of new vegetable seed varieties with a focus on Hybrid Sweet Corn, Melons, and Fall products. We work exclusively with natural products, and natural occurring traits.  We do not work with GMO’s.  This is not a lab position! 

We are looking for a few interns for the 2026 summer season. 

Start time: ~June 1th  (negotiable)
Completion: ~August 28th (with part time possibilities through November) 
Compensation: Paid $15.75/hr+ based on experience

• Breeding
  • We will teach you proper pollination techniques for the creation of parent seed in corn and cucurbits. 
  • We will teach you how to create and evaluate hybrid seed.
  • Inoculate and evaluate plants with plant pathogens to identify natural resistant lines.

• Trial setup and evaluation
  • Learn what goes into finding successful products for the market. 
  • Evaluate hybrids of different species to determine market fit based on set characteristics. 
  • Collect yield trial data 

• Water and Farm Management 
  • Setup and maintain a modern drip irrigation system.
  • Experience firsthand what goes into managing a vegetable farm.
    
     
• Farm market involvement
  • You may be asked to pack produce or even sell produce at local farm markets
  • Basic Greenhouse/High Tunnel maintenance

Qualifications:

You must be open minded, and have the ability to work both independently as well as with others. You must be able to work outside in the summer for extended periods.  You must be able to lift 35 pounds, and have a valid driver’s license. You should have an interest in food, and food systems.