Greenhouse Technician

BCforward; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

BCforward in Johnston, IA is seeking a Greenhouse Technician to support daily plant care and research activities in a safe, compliant environment.

You will perform pollinating, transplanting, watering, tissue sampling and assist with experiments. The role requires adherence to safety protocols and the ability to work both independently and with a team, including rotating weekends and holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, or related field preferred.
• Two or more years of relevant experience preferred.
• Able to follow safety protocols and maintain meticulous records.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily plant care including pollinating, transplanting, watering, and seed handling.
• Assist with herbicide application via track sprayer; follow safety protocols.
• Collect and prepare plant tissue samples for lab analysis.
• Assist with research experiments, data collection, and record-keeping.
• Maintain greenhouse sanitation and proper disposal of waste.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Learning software

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant sciences, or related field preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Internal research software

Job description

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Rotational weekend (approximately every 6th weekend) and holiday work required.

Position Overview:

supporting daily greenhouse functions and research activities in a safe, professional, and compliant environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform daily plant care, including pollinating, transplanting, watering, and seed handling for corn, soybean, wheat, canola, and other crops.
• Assist with herbicide application via track sprayer to crops, such as corn, soy and Arabidopsis - Elevated respirator (PAPR) protection will be required, training will be provided.
• Collect and prepare plant tissue samples for laboratory analysis, maintaining sample integrity for large volumes.
• Assist with research experiments, data collection, and record-keeping.
• Maintain greenhouse sanitation by disposing of regulated material and waste appropriately.

Job Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant sciences, or a related field preferred.
• Two or more years of relevant experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
• Basic proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to learn internal research software.
• Capability to perform repetitive tasks, stand or sit for extended periods, and lift at least 30 lbs.
• Comfort working in warm, humid greenhouse conditions with year-round pollen exposure.
• Willingness to work with common chemicals and adhere to all safety guidelines.