Research Assistant - Greenhouse

The Greenhouse Program hosting this role is responsible for management and operation of a complex or research greenhouse facilities, operating year-round in support of these objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Rice Greenhouse Internal Client Support

• Contribute to planning, executing and overseeing, all needed tasks for greenhouse readiness to support planting and growing of rice plant material for multiple internal users

Rice Greenhouse Operation, Maintenance & Innovation

• Contribute to monitoring greenhouse operation and systems; promptly reporting issues to management and implementing corrective action.
• Maintain clean, organized greenhouse work spaces, walkways, and equipment to ensure a safe and efficient environment.
• Assist in execution and oversight of minor repairs and improvements to infrastructure, components or processes, and or oversight of outsourced work.

Support Rice Greenhouse Pest Management

• Perform, accurately document and report routine scouting to identify pest and disease issues.
• Calibrate, maintain sprayers/foggers equipment; prepare and apply pest control treatments—biological, organic, or chemical—under supervision; following established protocols and ensuring safe and effective operation and documentation of Pest Mgnt Activities.
• Strictly adhere to SOPs, safety standards and PPE requirements for pesticide handling and application.

Team up to Deliver Excellent Greenhouse User Support

• Partner with internal clients to assess and improve plant growth and nursery success, pest control activities, and other process or operation aspects to ensure successful outcomes.
• Work jointly to design and implement innovative solutions that enhance greenhouse efficiency and sustainability.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors and actively contribute to team meetings and discussions.

Technical Requirement

Must be able obtain and maintain a Texas Pesticide Applicator's license within 6 months of employment.

Time Requirements

This is a full-time, year-round position, and overtime may be required during peak seasonal periods.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor degree in Horticulture, Plant Science or related field, or Associate degree and 3-5 years of experience in nursery/greenhouse research operations

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS Greenhouse or Covered Nursery Experience

• Demonstrated experience in field and/or greenhouse plant science research or commercial production environments.
• Hands-on experience in plant cultivation and integrated pest management practices including pesticide applicator certifications and/or experience.

Work, Communication, and Interpersonal skills

• Adapt quickly to changing priorities and diverse responsibilities.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to complete tasks assigned by your manager with a prompt turnaround.
• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Communicate effectively through clear verbal and written communication.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and teamwork.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions (extreme heat/cold, rainy, or sunny conditions) and tolerate occasional dust exposure. May also include dry, muddy, or flooded fields.
• Physically able to bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs. safely with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Capable of working extended hours during peak seasonal demands.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to extreme heat (non-weather). The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Rice Tec, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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