Greenhouse Assistant

Responsibilities

• Watering (esp on weekends) for a large variety of food and ornamental plant species
• General cleaning and upkeep of greenhouse, growth chamber, and lab space
• Assistance in lab as needed (experience with sterile hood aseptic technique is a plus)
• Planting and upkeep of all plants in the greenhouse
• Pruning, insect control, etc..
• Assistance with insecticide applications (about 1x per month
• Planting a variety of plants (crops, ornamentals, perennials) following protocols. (Pot size, type of soil, seed depth etc.)
• Plant maintenance (pruning, trimming, thinning etc.)
• Watering plants every day (summer twice a day as required, morning/evening)
• Weekend watering (every weekend)
• Sweep floors (keep Bays clean)
• Power wash moldy areas
• Keep debris off tables and floors
• Squidge standing water
• Brush off swamp cooling pads
• Clean off dead leaves between or during trials
• Checking/Maintaining/Re-fill fertilizer
• Assisting Biologist Applying Crop Protection Products:
• Bring plants to the spray room
• Clean out after spraying
• Wash dishes
• Wipe down counters (Alcohol wipes)
• Change the liner in the mixing hood
• Make sure there is a bag in the red trash can
• Soil/Plant Prep Room / High Density storage
• Keeping area neat, clean, and tidy.
• Replenishing planting trays and pots
• Replenish Potting soil
• Assist with soil sieving and pot filling
  

Qualifications

• BS preferred with some plant/GH experience.
• High School Grad minimum with 2-3 years GH, plant propagating experience.
• Experience working and taking care of plants.
• Greenhouse preferred.
• Greenhouse cleaning (sweeping, power washing, upkeep)
• Lab cleaning (sweeping, washing dishes, general cleaning)
• Plant watering/transplanting/pruning/fertilizing
• Weekend watering (Sat and Sun)
• Assisting Greenhouse Researchers
• Monday-Friday work schedule flexible
• Hard worker, self-motivated, detail oriented and follows directions
• Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Must have or be willing to get a valid North Carolina Pesticide Applicators License.
• Need to lift 50 lbs. and work in hot, humid, or cool, damp conditions as required for greenhouse or field activities. Must have good abilities to communicate with others and be able to work both independently and in teams.
  
  

Benefits

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first enrollment date that is at least 30 days after employment begins. Enrollment dates are each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.

Technical Certification Bonus: Synectics is pleased to award its employees a bonus of up to $500 for an approved professional certification. In determining the bonus amount, Synectics will consider the cost of the test(s) for any certification relating to your current position, achieved during your employment with us. Only one Certification Bonus per calendar year may be awarded per employee. Only current, active employees will be eligible to receive this bonus. It will be awarded 90 days after the Synectics office has received documentation confirming the successful completion of the certification.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.