Greenhouse & Controlled Environments Mgr - Sumitomo Biorational

Sumitomo Chemical: Group Companies of the Americas; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) with company match

Discretionary bonus

Retirement contributions vesting

Paid time off

Job summary

Sumitomo Biorational Company, located in Libertyville, IL, seeks a greenhouse operations specialist to oversee daily greenhouse activities and provide plant supplies for researchers. You will support scientists in conducting high-quality experiments for growth regulators, biopesticides, and soil amendments, while adopting best practices in greenhouse management.

The role requires expertise in greenhouse operations, irrigation and fertilization, and a valid Illinois Commercial Pesticide

Qualifications

• Knowledge of horticulture, plant biology, plant growth cycles, and common plant diseases and pests.
• Expertise in greenhouse management practices, including irrigation, fertilization, and (incomplete in source).
• Illinois Commercial Pesticide Applicator license is required.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and participate in daily greenhouse operations to ensure scientists have a steady supply of experimental plants.
• Assist researchers in conducting high-quality experiments for plant growth regulators, biopesticides, and soil amendments.
• Lead and coordinate greenhouse activities, maintenance, and safety compliance.
• Manage inventory, budgets, and training of greenhouse staff.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Greenhouse management

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Data recording

Experience with greenhouse management

Education

Associate degree in horticulture/greenhouse management

Bachelor's or Master's in horticulture/plant science

Job description

About Sumitomo Biorational Company

Headquartered in Libertyville, Ill., Sumitomo Biorational Company is the Global Center of Excellence for Biorational Innovation, advancing integrated, science-driven solutions in agriculture, public health, forest health, and environmental markets. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Biorational operates through three divisions: AgroSolutions, Environmental Health (MGK), and Public Health & Forest Health, leveraging decades of expertise to drive innovation and sustainability for customers worldwide

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 is 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

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Valent Group of Companies, we're proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do.

Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.

• Valent U.S.A., Valent North America LLC, Valent BioSciences LLC and Mycorrhizal Applications LLC are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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