Weekend Supervisor - Plant Propagation

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

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a Weekend Supervisor to support the Pesticide Discovery organization in Newark, DE. You will oversee propagation, manage weekend operations across greenhouses and growth chambers, and supervise a small team of part‑time workers.

The role focuses on propagating plants, maintaining growth conditions, and coordinating with researchers to meet project timelines while adhering to safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, Biological Sciences or related field.
• Experience with plant propagation in a research setting or greenhouse.
• Experience in a laboratory, greenhouse, or growth chamber environment.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions with accuracy.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel and standard computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate weekend greenhouse and growth chamber activities.
• Train and coordinate part‑time team members for watering and plant care.
• Propagate diverse crop and weed species using soils and media.
• Maintain plants in controlled environments and follow project protocols.
• Propagate and stage uniform plant material for pesticide screening and bioassays.
• Coordinate with research teams to ensure material is available for experiments.
• Monitor plant health, growth, and development; identify issues quickly.
• Document propagation and plant care activities accurately.
• Follow safety procedures and proper disposal of materials.
• Communicate effectively with researchers and teammates to meet timelines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team training

Reliability

Independent work

Organizational skills

Safety procedures

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

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 (confirming shift times/days)
Contract Length:TBC; likely 12months min.
Employment Type:Long term contract
Start Date:End of September

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 inAgronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field.
  
• Previous experience withplant propagation.
  
• Experience working in aresearch 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 toplant 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.