Greenhouse Technician
Job in
Johnston, Polk County, Iowa, 50131, USA
Listed on 2026-07-30
Listing for:
Actalent
Full Time
position Listed on 2026-07-30
Job specializations:
-
Research/Development
Agriculture / Farming, Research Assistant/Associate, Lab Tech / Assistant
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Greenhouse Technician
Job Description
The Greenhouse Technician supports controlled-environment research by performing hands-on plant care, pollination, and sample collection for wheat and other crops. This role focuses on precise execution of daily greenhouse operations, including plant maintenance, tissue sampling, and sanitation, while closely following safety and research protocols. The position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with plants, supporting scientific experiments, and contributing to high-quality data collection in a structured, collaborative environment.
Responsibilities
+ Participate as a key member of a dedicated crew that pollinates wheat in controlled greenhouse environments.
+ Perform daily plant care activities, including seeding, pollinating, transplanting, watering, harvesting, and seed handling for wheat and other crops.
+ Collect and prepare plant tissue samples for laboratory analysis, ensuring sample integrity and accuracy for large volumes of material.
+ Assist with research experiments by following established protocols, supporting experimental setups, and helping maintain consistency in procedures.
+ Support data collection and record-keeping by accurately documenting observations, activities, and results in designated systems or logs.
+ Maintain greenhouse sanitation by properly disposing of regulated plant material and waste in accordance with safety and compliance guidelines.
+ Follow all safety protocols when working with plants, chemicals, equipment, and research materials to protect personal and team safety.
+ Collaborate with team members to coordinate daily tasks and ensure greenhouse operations run smoothly and efficiently.
+ Work independently on assigned tasks, managing time and priorities to meet research and operational timelines.
+ Monitor plants for health, growth, and development, and promptly report any issues or abnormalities to the appropriate personnel.
Essential Skills
+ High school diploma or GED.
+ Strong attention to detail, especially when performing repetitive tasks and handling plant materials and samples.
+ Demonstrated adherence to safety protocols in a laboratory, greenhouse, or similar environment.
+ Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate records.
+ Effective communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
+ Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
+ Ability to learn and use internal research software and digital tools for data entry and tracking.
+ Capability to perform repetitive tasks and maintain focus over extended periods.
+ Ability to stand or sit for extended periods while performing greenhouse and laboratory tasks.
+ Ability to lift a minimum of 30 pounds as part of routine greenhouse operations.
+ Comfort working in warm, humid greenhouse conditions with year-round exposure to pollen.
+ Willingness to work with common chemicals and strictly follow all associated safety guidelines.
Additional
Skills & Qualifications
+ Bachelor's degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant sciences, or a related field is preferred.
+ Two or more years of relevant experience in greenhouse operations, plant care, or agricultural research is preferred.
+
Experience with plant pollination, especially in controlled environments, is an advantage.
+ Experience in plant tissue sampling or laboratory support for plant science research is beneficial.
+ Familiarity with greenhouse sanitation practices and regulated material handling is a plus.
Work Environment
This role is based in a controlled greenhouse environment that supports plant science and agricultural research. The schedule typically runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with a rotational weekend assignment approximately every sixth weekend and some holiday work required to maintain continuous plant care. The greenhouse conditions are warm and humid year-round, with ongoing exposure to pollen as part of routine pollination and plant care activities.
Team members use standard greenhouse and laboratory tools, including irrigation…
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