Greenhouse Research Technician

Smithers-Oasis Career • Kent, OH

12d • $50,000 - $58,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented individual to fill the role of Greenhouse Research Technician at our Research facility in Kent, OH. This position will conduct research, innovation and development of new grower-focused products. Day-to-day activities of this position include planning experiments and trials, collecting data, writing reports, and greenhouse maintenance and sanitation. Additional duties include procuring plant material, lab and greenhouse consumables. Although most product development is carried out in the greenhouse, this position does involve some laboratory and post-harvest work. This individual, by nature, must be innovative, have a strong work ethic, and be a team player. Areas of focus for the Greenhouse Research Technician role will include (but not be limited to): Conducts and assists with research experiments in the greenhouse for propagation, container production of bedding plants, or hydroponic production (deep-water culture and nutrient film technique) of bedding plants or leafy greens. Manages greenhouse environmental controls. Will contribute ideas, experiments and findings to research peers on a weekly basis. Plans and runs greenhouse trials by setting up, trial maintenance and data collection, followed by data entry and analysis. Presents findings and data to research team. Maintain trials, including irrigation, scouting for pests, and application of plant growth regulators and/or insecticides as needed for healthy crop production. Pour-through methods to measure pH and EC of pot leachate. Document trials with photos at the beginning and end, including photos of individual plant treatments. Transfer photos to computer and annotate/label crop photos. Reads and reviews research literature to generate innovative ideas for new product development. Identifies production or post-harvest related problems within industry, reviews literature to learn possible solutions and uses the information to improve or develop product solutions. Aseptic culturing techniques (including media). Maintain greenhouse and lab areas in a clean and organized manner. Maintain inventory and requisition supplies and chemicals.

Requirements

• An individual with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in horticulture, environmental sciences, biology or botany is preferred.
• An individual who has a minimum of 1 to 2 years greenhouse floriculture or CEA experience is preferred.
• An individual with knowledge of greenhouse operations and management is preferred.
• An individual who is able to to learn new techniques and carry out experiments with minimal supervision.
• An individual who is able to effectively communicate and collaborate with other researchers.
• An individual who can lift products and materials up to 60 pounds.
• An individual who can effectively communicate experiment and other results to the research technical staff.
• An individual who can prioritize tasks and efficiently accomplish objectives with a high degree of reliability and consistency.
• An individual who has excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, working with internal and external customers.
• An individual who can travel 10-20% of the time to provide technical sales support.
• An individual who is available on some weekends for watering plants and performance of critical tasks.

Nice To Haves

• An individual who has experience using Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and SAS statistics is beneficial.
• An individual who has an existing pesticide applicator license is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conducts and assists with research experiments in the greenhouse for propagation, container production of bedding plants, or hydroponic production (deep-water culture and nutrient film technique) of bedding plants or leafy greens.
• Manages greenhouse environmental controls.
• Will contribute ideas, experiments and findings to research peers on a weekly basis.
• Plans and runs greenhouse trials by setting up, trial maintenance and data collection, followed by data entry and analysis.
• Presents findings and data to research team.
• Maintain trials, including irrigation, scouting for pests, and application of plant growth regulators and/or insecticides as needed for healthy crop production.
• Pour-through methods to measure pH and EC of pot leachate.
• Document trials with photos at the beginning and end, including photos of individual plant treatments.
• Transfer photos to computer and annotate/label crop photos.
• Reads and reviews research literature to generate innovative ideas for new product development.
• Identifies production or post-harvest related problems within industry, reviews literature to learn possible solutions and uses the information to improve or develop product solutions.
• Aseptic culturing techniques (including media).
• Maintain greenhouse and lab areas in a clean and organized manner.
• Maintain inventory and requisition supplies and chemicals.

Benefits

• An annual base salary range of $50,000 to $58,000, plus a 5% annual bonus potential
• A full-time career with a competitive salary and benefit plan options, paid-time off and an immediately vested company-matched 401k plan
• Our company culture places a high value on integrity and trust, respect, collaboration, and a proper work/life balance
• An opportunity to add value to the organization and build strong professional relationships

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level