Lead Greenhouse Research Technician

The Lead Greenhouse Research Technician will have responsibilities to assist with research trials, seedling crop production and greenhouse facility maintenance.

I.  Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

• Research – Assist with the initiation of research trials and coordinate data collection.
• Seedling crop management – Maintain a precise schedule for soil preparation, sowing of seeds, collecting and sticking of cuttings, transplanting rooted cutting plants, irrigation, fertilization, pesticide spraying, cultural practices and lifting of seedlings.
• Maintain greenhouse crops and pesticide records working with greenhouse team members.
• Monitor seedling crops for inventory, quality, growth, and pests.
• Facility maintenance-Evaluate greenhouse facility, equipment and irrigation for repair and maintenance needs. Help manage in-house and contract maintenance and repairs.
• Administrative -- Directly supervise contract labor, manage a strong safety program, oversee supply purchasing and inventory.

II. Ongoing Interaction:

• Department: Daily interaction with contract employees. Frequent interaction with peers in the immediate work group. Regular interaction with peers in other groups within the department. Daily interaction with Supervisor.
• Company: Regular interaction with peers in other groups across the company as related to common production targets.
• Outside Company: Participation in outside conferences and industry meetings.

III. Education/Experience/Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related agricultural field and 3 years work experience in a horticulture/agricultural related field. Greenhouse experience preferred. Experience growing containerized plants preferred.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills supported by proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills.
• Strong sense of financial and asset stewardship.
• Valid driver’s license.

IV. Certifications: 

• Georgia Private Pesticide Applicator’s license. (Must be obtained within six months of DOH)
• Physical Requirements:
• This is heavy work exerting 40-100 pounds of force repeatedly. Work may involve climbing, stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping. Employees are subject to inside and outside environment, noise, vibration, working hazards, fumes, odors, dust, wood smoke and chemicals. Some outdoor work in summer sun and heat with high humidity, and in winter cold, possibly with rain, will be required. Visual acuity is required for equipment and vehicle operation; requires hearing sufficient to perceive noises for diagnostic purposes.

VI. Other Comments: 

Key personal traits include good interpersonal and communication skills along with a strong work ethic and ability to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously. Weekend duty will be required on a rotating team basis, and extended work hours may be required to complete some tasks and on a seasonal basis. This is an exempt position, with limited travel required.

DISCLAIMER:   This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required and the responsibilities of the position may change.