Specialist, Controls- Biology; Entomology

Specialist, Controls
- Biology (Entomology)

At The Scotts Miracle‑Gro Company, we think people are like plants – in the right place you will grow and flourish. If you are an advocate of making the world a more beautiful place by inspiring others, championing new ideas and being intellectually curious, and you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, then we want you as part of our Scotts family.

The Biology Specialist will be responsible for field, greenhouse, and/or laboratory testing of new or experimental products with an emphasis on insecticides, biological control agents, and integrated pest management (IPM) solutions. Although this position reports directly to the Controls Product Development Manager, day‑to‑day guidance and direction will also come from senior‑level biologists and entomology subject‑matter experts.

• Prepare laboratory, greenhouse, and field trial areas for insecticide efficacy experiments with moderate supervision from senior biologists.
• Prepare and test developmental and commercial insecticide formulations and related technologies.
• Maintain and handle insect colonies, infest test plants, and monitor pest pressure as needed for controlled studies.
• Record detailed biological and insect‑response data during preparations, tests, and ongoing experiments.
• Create designs of experiments, execute trials, and collect entomological and horticultural data.
• Prepare and apply pesticide treatments using proper techniques and safety protocols.
• Provide recommendations for improving experimental protocols, insect‑rearing practices, trial setup, and workflow efficiency.
• Follow all research and development standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Use specialized tools and technologies such as imaging platforms, image analysis software, insect‑counting methods, and drone imaging where applicable.
• Use specialized data analysis software and perform statistically sound analysis of biological and entomological results.
• Support greenhouse, field, and lab trials with added responsibility for maintaining consistent pest populations for research use.
• Detect issues and diagnose insect, plant health, and environmental problems relevant to experimental integrity.
• Engage with project teams to develop new ideas, plan project execution, report entomology trial results, and inform product design attributes.
• Ship chemicals, manage waste and chemical inventory, maintain insect colony materials, and support environmental health and safety (EHS) programs.

• Use of ARM for data input and analysis.
• Use of field equipment such as gators, tractors, tillers, etc.
• Demonstrated comfort and aptitude for working with insects and engaging in direct contact with them.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as preparing soil, mulching, planting, water management, weeding, harvesting.
• Effective communication of project objectives and trial details to upper management.
• Innovative thinking, willingness to bring ideas and provide consumer perspective to projects & product development.
• Passionate problem solver, willingness to speak up and suggest process improvements, create opportunities leading to new products, publications and intellectual property (e.g., patentable innovations).

• BS degree in physical science, biology, botany, agronomy or horticulture; and/or comparable skills & knowledge through industry experience in a laboratory, greenhouse or field setting – a focus on entomology is preferred.
• 1 to 3 years of related work experience.

• Attention to detail, accuracy and basic math skills.
• Observational skills to identify visual differences in plant performance.
• Ability to follow work instructions and test protocols.
• Personal drive and ability to be a self‑starter and work unsupervised.
• Flexibility to deliver on various tasks in support of a wide range of research activity.
• Ability to lift 50 lb required.
• Basic computer skills including the use of spreadsheets, word processing and email.
• Capability to be licensed as an FAA drone pilot desired.

The starting budgeted pay range for this role will generally fall between…