Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Greenhouse Technician
Location: Johnston, Iowa
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (40 hours/week)
Duration: 11+ Months
Weekend Requirement: Rotational (approximately every 6 weeks)
Holiday Requirement: One company-observed holiday annually (rotational)

Position Overview

The Controlled Environments Team is seeking a motivated and responsible Greenhouse Technician to support research operations at a four-acre facility in Johnston, Iowa. This role contributes to agricultural innovation by assisting with daily greenhouse functions and research activities in a safe, professional, and compliant environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform daily greenhouse plant care activities including:

  • Pollinating, watering, harvesting, and seed handling (primarily wheat and other crops)

• Assist with experiments by:

  • Collecting data and maintaining accurate records

  • Executing lab analysis requests

  • Communicating experimental logistics with process leads

• Support planning and execution of wheat breeding greenhouse experiments:

  • Prepare project requests

  • Input experimental data

  • Coordinate with internal teams

• Conduct routine greenhouse sanitation tasks:

  • Plant discarding and general cleaning

• Assist researchers with organizational and cross-functional project work related to doubled haploid crops

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, or a related field
    OR

  • Minimum 3+ years of relevant experience

• Strong attention to detail and adherence to SOPs and safety protocols

• Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Basic computer proficiency:

  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

  • Ability to learn internal research software

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

• Comfortable working in a warm, humid greenhouse environment with pollen exposure year-round

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks

Additional Information

• Driving Requirement: Not required

• Special Equipment: None specified

 

 
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 21.26/hr.