Greenhouse Technician

Sowela; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Sowela is seeking a Greenhouse Technician to join our Johnston, Iowa team. The role involves supporting daily greenhouse operations, caring for crops, sampling for lab analyses, and assisting with research projects in a controlled environment.

Responsibilities include pollinating wheat, maintaining plant health, and ensuring accurate record-keeping and safety compliance in a warm, humid greenhouse setting.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Be part of a dedicated crew that pollinates wheat in controlled environments.
• Perform daily plant care, including seeding, pollinating, transplanting, watering, harvesting, and seed handling for wheat and other crops.
• 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 description

Greenhouse Technician

• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Rotational weekend (approximately every 6th weekend) and holiday work required

Position Overview

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

Key Responsibilities

• Be part of a dedicated crew that pollinates wheat in controlled environments.
• Perform daily plant care, including seeding, pollinating, transplanting, watering, harvesting, and seed handling for wheat and other crops.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.