Biologist

Job Title: Plant Life Specialist (Entry Level) Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated Plant Life Specialist to study the basic principles of plant life and understand the effects of environmental and physical conditions. This role involves working with row crops such as canola, corn, cotton, and soybeans in greenhouses and growth chamber settings. The position requires creativity, judgment, and a detail-oriented approach to accomplish various tasks under general supervision.
Responsibilities

• Conduct studies on the basic principles of plant life.
• Analyze the effects of varying environmental and physical conditions on plants.
• Perform tasks such as sowing, plant care, discarding, cleaning, transplanting, harvesting, and seed processing.
• Manage plant growth in greenhouses and growth chamber settings.
• Stand for long periods and work in elevated temperatures during warmer months.
• Participate in rotational weekend work as required.

Essential Skills

• Basic understanding of plant life principles.
• Familiarity with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field.
• Ability to rely on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Detail-oriented approach to tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in controlled environments and plant growth is preferred.
• Commercial greenhouse experience is beneficial.
• Associates or Bachelors degree in agronomy, biology, horticulture, or other life sciences.
• Sample preparation, sample management, and plant management skills.

Work Environment
The role will be based in a laboratory setting, requiring the use of personal protective equipment including a lab coat, safety glasses, and gloves. The work involves standing for extended periods and lifting up to 40 lbs. Elevated temperatures can be expected in greenhouses during warmer months. There are no chemical hazards associated with this position.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chesterfield, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chesterfield,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



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