Description of Job: Oversee and participate in daily operations of research greenhouses and plant growth chambers, ensuring that scientists have an optimal supply of experimental plants. Assist research staff in successfully conducting high-quality experiments to develop new plant growth regulators, biopesticides, and soil health amendments. Adopt and incorporate latest best practices into greenhouse operations.
Principal Responsibilities: - Facilitate smooth operations of all greenhouse activities, maintaining open communication with research scientists, technical support staff, and facilities management personnel.
- Work with greenhouse technician to provide research groups with a consistent supply of uniform, high-quality plants to conduct bioassays. Includes understanding of technical planting needs for multiple functional groups.
- Implement improved processes and efficiencies as identified.
- Lead regular meetings with greenhouse and controlled environments users to convey information and discuss arising issues.
- Collaborate with research staff to assign and modify appropriate spaces for experiments.
- Maintain cleanliness of all spaces, performing routine cleaning, calibration, maintenance, and repair/replacement of greenhouse equipment, including environmental control systems and fertilization systems.
- Coordinate with Facilities Manager for repairs and improvements in greenhouses, headhouses, and growth chamber spaces.
- Lead the greenhouse pesticide application and scouting teams. Alert greenhouse users to any pest and disease issues and take corrective actions. Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and safety standards.
- Develop and/or update SOPs for greenhouse procedures and equipment.
- Train greenhouse users on equipment and procedures; maintain training logs and ensure records compliance.
- Manage greenhouse waste disposal.
- Manage and train greenhouse technicians.
- Manage inventory and budgets.
- Must be able to operate a table lift for moving soil bales and to hand-mix soil combinations.
- Conducts all work in strict compliance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements, standard operating practices, and/or guidelines.
Required Skills and Experience: - Knowledge of horticulture, plant biology, plant growth cycles, and common plant diseases and pests.
- Expertise in greenhouse management practices, including irrigation, fertilization, and
- This position requires an Illinois Commercial Pesticide Applicator license.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Good computer skills for record-keeping and data analysis.
- Three to five years of research greenhouse management experience is desirable.
Education: Minimum associate's degree in horticulture or greenhouse management or bachelor's or master's degree in horticulture, plant science, or closely related field.
Travel: None anticipated.
Location: Biorational Research Center in Libertyville, IL
What We Offer We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That's why we're dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees.
Base Salary: The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from:
$100,000 to $130,800. Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.
Incentives: All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary.
Benefits: • High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
• 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
• Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
• Financial assistance programs to support your goals
• Life and disability insurance for added security
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days
