Greenhouse Technician

Job Title: Greenhouse Technician Job Description The Controlled Environments Team seeks a motivated and responsible Greenhouse Technician to support research operations at a four-acre greenhouse facility in Johnston, Iowa. In this role, you will contribute to the advancement of agricultural innovation by performing daily greenhouse functions, supporting plant research activities, and maintaining a safe, professional, and compliant environment. Responsibilities

- Perform daily plant care activities, including pollinating, transplanting, watering, and seed handling for corn, soybean, wheat, canola, Arabidopsis, and other crops.
- Assist with herbicide application using a track sprayer on crops such as corn, soy, and Arabidopsis, following all safety procedures and using elevated respirator PAPR protection after receiving training.
- Collect and prepare plant tissue samples for laboratory analysis, ensuring sample integrity and accuracy for large volumes of material.
- Support research experiments by assisting with experimental setup, data collection, and accurate record-keeping.
- Maintain greenhouse sanitation by appropriately disposing of regulated material and waste in accordance with safety and compliance guidelines.
- Follow established safety protocols and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe working environment for all team members.
- Collaborate with researchers and colleagues to coordinate plant care schedules, experiment timelines, and greenhouse operations.
- Use basic computer applications to log data, track plant care activities, and update research records.
- Perform repetitive tasks and physical activities, such as standing, sitting, and lifting, as needed to support daily greenhouse operations.

Essential Skills

- High school diploma or GED.
- Strong attention to detail and consistent adherence to safety protocols.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ability to learn and use internal research software for data entry and record-keeping.
- Capability to perform repetitive tasks and to stand or sit for extended periods during the workday.
- Ability to lift at least 30 pounds as part of routine greenhouse duties.
- Comfort working in warm, humid greenhouse conditions with year-round pollen exposure.
- Willingness to work with common chemicals and strictly follow all safety guidelines.
- Laboratory familiarity and comfort handling plant tissue samples.
- Experience with plant care and basic biology or environmental science concepts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Bachelors degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant sciences, or a related field is preferred.
- Two or more years of relevant experience in greenhouse operations, plant care, or related agricultural or biological work is preferred.
- Experience or coursework in biology, environmental science, or plant sciences.
- Experience working in controlled environments or research greenhouse facilities.
- Ability to adapt to changing research priorities and schedules while maintaining high-quality work.

Work Environment This role is based at a four-acre controlled environment greenhouse facility in Johnston, Iowa. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with rotational weekend work approximately every sixth weekend and holiday coverage as required to support ongoing research and plant care. The work environment is warm and humid, with year-round exposure to pollen and common agricultural chemicals, and requires adherence to strict safety and sanitation protocols. You will use equipment such as track sprayers for herbicide application and elevated respirator PAPR protection, with full training provided. The position involves standing or sitting for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks, and lifting up to 30 pounds as part of routine greenhouse operations, all within a professional research-focused setting.
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. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Johnston,IA. 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 [email protected] 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
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