Greenhouse Technician

Job Title: Greenhouse Technician Job Description The Greenhouse Technician supports plant research and breeding activities by providing daily care for greenhouse crops, executing pollinations and harvests, and assisting with experimental setup and data collection. This role combines hands-on plant care with detailed recordkeeping, basic laboratory support, and close collaboration with researchers and cross-functional teams to ensure successful greenhouse experiments and seed production. Responsibilities Provide daily greenhouse plant care for wheat and other crops, including watering, pollinating, harvesting, and seed handling. Assist with greenhouse experiments by collecting data, maintaining accurate records, and executing laboratory analysis requests as directed. Support the planning and logistical execution of wheat breeding greenhouse experiments, including preparing project requests and entering experimental data into relevant systems. Communicate experimental logistics and status updates clearly and consistently with internal process leads and team members. Perform routine greenhouse sanitation tasks, including discarding plant material and general cleaning to maintain a safe and orderly environment. Assist researchers with experiment organization, scheduling, and coordination across a diverse set of pollination and breeding projects. Follow standard operating procedures and safety and ergonomics protocols while performing all greenhouse and experimental tasks. Use basic computer applications and internally developed research software to document work, track experiments, and support data management. Collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team to meet project timelines and adapt to changing experimental needs. Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy, and productivity. Essential Skills Experience with plant care, including watering, pollination, harvest, and seed handling. Ability to pay close attention to detail and consistently follow standard operating procedures and safety/ergonomics protocols. Strong communication skills to effectively share updates and coordinate with internal process leads and team members. Proven organizational skills to manage multiple experiments, tasks, and recordkeeping responsibilities. Demonstrated leadership capabilities in a research or greenhouse setting. High degree of self-motivation and a positive attitude, with the ability to work well independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision. Basic computer skills, including proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook, and the ability to learn internally developed research software. Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time while performing repetitive tasks. Ability to lift up to 30 lbs safely in a greenhouse environment. Ability to tolerate working for extended periods in a warm, humid greenhouse with pollen present year-round. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant physiology, molecular biology, entomology, plant pathology, or a related field, or three or more years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience preferred. Background in biology or plant sciences, including familiarity with greenhouse operations and plant research. Experience working on cross-functional teams supporting diverse research or breeding projects. Comfort working with experimental data, including basic data entry, tracking, and documentation. Interest in supporting plant breeding, greenhouse research, and continuous improvement of greenhouse practices. Work Environment This role is based in a greenhouse and research facility, working primarily with wheat and other crops in a warm, humid environment where pollen is present year-round. The standard schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Team members participate in a rotating weekend schedule, working approximately every six weeks, and also work one company-observed holiday on a rotational basis each year. The position involves extended periods of standing and sitting, repetitive tasks such as pollination and data collection, and regular lifting of up to 30 lbs. Work is performed using standard greenhouse tools and equipment, as well as computer systems including MS Office and internally developed research software, in a collaborative, safety-focused environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Johnston,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 6, 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. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. 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. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.