Greenhouse Technician
Johnston, IA
1 year Contract (Sat-Wed 7:30AM to 4:00PM)
$21-24/hr
The Greenhouse Technician will support research operations within a four-acre controlled-environment greenhouse facility in Johnston, Iowa. This role is responsible for assisting with daily greenhouse functions, plant care, wheat pollination and harvest activities, sample preparation, sanitation, and research support in a safe, professional, and compliant environment. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, comfortable working in warm and humid greenhouse conditions, and able to follow safety protocols while working independently and collaboratively with the Controlled Environments Team.
Greenhouse Technician Responsibilities:
- Be part of a dedicated crew that pollinates and harvests wheat in controlled-environment greenhouse spaces.
- Perform daily plant care activities, including pollinating, harvesting, transplanting, watering, plant movement, seeding, and seed handling for wheat and other crops.
- Collect and prepare plant tissue samples for laboratory analysis while maintaining sample integrity across large volumes.
- Assist with research experiments, data collection, and accurate record-keeping.
- Maintain greenhouse sanitation by disposing of regulated material and waste appropriately.
- Follow all safety guidelines when working with common chemicals and regulated greenhouse materials.
Greenhouse Technician Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED is required.
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant sciences, or a related field is preferred.
- Two or more years of relevant greenhouse, agriculture, horticulture, or plant research experience is preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow safety protocols are required.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision are required.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, is required; ability to learn internal research software is required.
- Must be able to perform repetitive tasks, stand or sit for extended periods, and lift a minimum of 30 lbs.
- Comfort working in warm, humid greenhouse conditions with year-round pollen exposure is required.
