Weekend Supervisor - Plant Propagation

Kelly Services; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a Weekend Supervisor to support pesticide discovery in a greenhouse and controlled environment. The role oversees a small weekend team and coordinates weekend operations across growth chambers and greenhouses in Newark, DE.

You will propagate plants, maintain schedules, ensure experimental material is prepared for screening, and support research teams to meet project timelines. Strong attention to detail and team coordination are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related plant science field.
• Experience with plant propagation in a research setting.
• Experience in a greenhouse, growth chamber, or lab environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to train and coordinate part-time staff.
• Familiarity with safety procedures in lab/greenhouse settings.

Responsibilities

• Oversee weekend greenhouse and growth chamber activities.
• Train and coordinate part-time team members for watering and plant care.
• Propagate crop and weed species using various soils and media.
• Maintain plants in controlled environments and record-keeping.
• Learn growth requirements of different species and apply protocols.
• Propagate and stage material for pesticide screening and bioassays.
• Coordinate with researchers to ensure plant material availability.
• Monitor plant health and quality; identify issues requiring action.
• Follow established procedures and translate instructions into daily tasks.
• Support continuous improvement of propagation methods and sustainability.
• Dispose of unused or poor-quality materials and manage noxious species.

Skills

Plant propagation

Research lab experience

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team training

Safety procedures

Independent work

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, Biological Sciences

Job description

Weekend Supervisor – Plant Science / Agriculture

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a Weekend Supervisor to support the Pesticide Discovery organization of a leading global agricultural sciences company. This is an excellent opportunity for a plant science, agriculture, biology, or related professional to work in a research-focused greenhouse and controlled-environment setting while coordinating a small team and supporting innovative pesticide discovery programs.

Position Details

Location: Newark, DE

Pay: $25/hour

Schedule: Weekend Schedule, Friday-Tuesday, 7am-3:30pm (includes holidays and site closures)

Contract Length: Long-term contract; 12 months, renews automatically

About the Role

The Weekend Supervisor will support multiple Pesticide Discovery research groups by overseeing plant propagation activities and coordinating weekend operations across greenhouses and growth chambers.

This position will supervise a small team of part‑time weekend workers responsible for watering and maintaining plants during weekends, holidays, and site closures. The Supervisor will work closely with research team members to ensure plants are properly propagated, staged, and maintained according to project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate weekend greenhouse and growth chamber activities.
• Train and coordinate part‑time team members responsible for watering and plant care.
• Propagate diverse crop and weed species using various soils and growth media.
• Maintain plants in protected greenhouse and controlled‑environment growth chamber settings.
• Learn and apply the specific growing and nurturing requirements of different crop and weed species.
• Propagate and stage uniform experimental plant material for pesticide screening and bioassay studies.
• Coordinate with research teams to ensure plant material is available when needed for experiments.
• Monitor plant health, growth, quality, and development while identifying issues requiring attention.
• Follow established protocols and translate verbal and written research instructions into accurate day‑to‑day activities.
• Support continuous improvement of plant propagation methods, resource utilization, and sustainability.
• Properly dispose of unused, poor‑quality, or completed bioassay materials.
• Follow appropriate procedures for the disposal and management of noxious plant species.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to propagation and plant care activities.
• Follow all laboratory, greenhouse, chemical, and site safety procedures.
• Communicate effectively with researchers, technicians, and other team members to meet project timelines.
• Work independently when needed while supporting broader research team objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Previous experience with plant propagation.
• Experience working in a research laboratory, greenhouse, growth chamber, or similar scientific environment.
• Strong attention to detail and observational skills.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions and translate them into consistent, accurate work.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to train, coordinate, and work effectively with a diverse team.
• Demonstrated reliability and ability to consistently complete work on schedule.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Familiarity with laboratory, greenhouse, and workplace safety procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and standard computer applications.
• Interest in or familiarity with greenhouse, controlled‑environment chamber, and/or field trials involving experimental chemicals.

What You'll Gain

This role provides hands‑on exposure to plant science, pesticide discovery, greenhouse research, bioassay preparation, controlled‑environment agriculture, and research operations . The successful candidate will work directly with multidisciplinary research teams and contribute to the development and evaluation of experimental herbicide candidates.