Automation Team Assistant

Spectraforce Technologies; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies is seeking an Automation Team Assistant for our Johnston, IA facility. This 4+ month assignment involves supporting the Controlled Environments Team with routine automation tasks, plant care, and data collection in a warm greenhouse.

Strong initiative, reliability, and a willingness to drive company vehicles are essential. Responsibilities include safe operation, forklift use, transplant assistance, and weekend coverage on a rotating basis.

Qualifications

• Good communication and self-motivation are required.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive company vehicles.
• Experience with MS Office and willingness to learn internal software.

Responsibilities

• Work safely by following written procedures and protocols.
• Run routine tasks such as operating an industrial tipper/grinder.
• Drive company truck and trailer.
• Use forklift and pallet jack to stock supplies.
• Load and operate automated washers in the headhouse and greenhouses.
• Perform plant care tasks and assist with transplanting.
• Assist in plant sampling within the automated headhouse and greenhouses.
• Troubleshoot and document issues in automated systems.
• Work every 6th weekend with compensatory days.

Skills

Good communication

Self-motivation

Independent work

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Driver's license

MS Office

Willingness to learn

Robotics interest

Weekend availability

Tools

MS Office

Forklift operation

Truck driving

Internal research software

Job description

Automation Team Assistant

Location: Johnston, IA

Duration: 4+ Months

Schedule: 7:30AM - 4:00PM, M-F with rotational weekend work required (approximately every 6th weekend, 7:30AM - 4:00PM).

Is Driving Required for the assignment? Yes; Frequent

Description: We are looking for a responsible and highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Controlled Environments Team. Here, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter what your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture—solving the world’s food problems through innovation, technology, and putting people first. We have an exciting opportunity to join our company at our Johnston, Iowa research facility. We are looking for candidates who take initiative, love to learn, work hard, and have a stable work history.

Responsibilities

• Work in a safe manner, following written procedures and protocols.
• Perform routine tasks such as:
  • Running an industrial tipper/grinder
  • Driving company truck and trailer
  • Using forklift and pallet jack to organize and stock supplies.
  • Loading and running automated washers such as a pot & flat washer.
  • Perform basic plant care tasks within the automated headhouse and greenhouses.
  • Assist with transplanting plants into the automated headhouse
  • Assist in various plant samplings within the automated headhouse and greenhouses
• Troubleshoot and document issues within various automated systems.
• Works once every 6th weekend, with comp days once adequately trained.

Requirements

• Good communication skills, a high degree of self‑motivation, positive attitude.
• The ability to work well independently.
• Close attention to detail, and the ability to follow standard operating protocols while ensuring personal safety and ergonomics.
• The ability to drive company vehicles, such as a forklift, truck, and trailer. Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Basic computer skills including experience with MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook), and a willingness to gain competency with internally developed research software. A positive attitude toward robots is also a bonus.
• Ability to sit/stand for long periods of time, lift up to 30 pounds, and perform repetitive work in a warm, humid greenhouse with pollen present year‑round.