Greenhouse Technician

Overview

Kemin is looking for a Greenhouse Technician to join our Speciality Crop Improvement (SCI) team! The Greenhouse Technician will play a pivotal role in managing the daily greenhouse operations in Des Moines, Iowa. This position will manage all aspects of plant growth and well-being, insuring timely and quality plant products for the plant breeding, research agronomy and field agronomy teams in SCI. The incumbent will be an active member of the breeding and selection section of the Specialty Crops Group and will report to the Plant Breeding Manager.

 

 

We Are Kemin 

 

We are visionaries who see things differently and are inspired by the world around us. 

 

We have been dedicated to using applied science to improve the quality of life for over half a century.

 

Weare aglobal ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. 

 

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products to customers around the world. 

 

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 2,800 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States. 

 

As a Kemin team member, you'll receive...  

• A competitive financial package- in addition to your salary, we offer an uncapped bonus opportunity, 401k match program, and paid vacation and holidays. 
• Robust health and wellness support- we are proud to offer a fitness reimbursement (for your whole family!), an on-site fitness center, restaurant with seasonal fresh food options (and the ability to order food to bring home), and free fresh fruit in break areas- to name a few.  
• Continued learning opportunities- Kemin offers tuition reimbursement and recently launched a new corporate university with online and in-person training opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.  
• The chance to give back to our world- Through our foundation of servant leadership, we are proud to offer ample service opportunities, including paid time off to do so. Kemin has a valued corporate partnership with both The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, in addition to many local initiatives. 
• Opportunities to support our valued educators- Kemin is a proud sponsor of the Iowa Governor's Stem Advisory Council where we fund annual teacher's awards. In addition, we have a robust internship and externship program, and frequently host student tours. 

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for all plants grown in the greenhouse and outdoor nursery.
• Routine greenhouse maintenance including operation of ventilation and heating systems, maintaining all equipment used in the facility, insure systems are running properly including temperature and lighting levels, under supervision.
• Perform crop production duties including sowing seed, transplanting, propagation and harvesting, as directed by breeders.
• Organize plants according to experiments and adequately label them in the greenhouse and outdoor nursery.
• Ensure adequate seed germination and success of plant cuttings, as directed.
• Ensure proper fertilization schedule and appropriate watering techniques are followed as well as monitor EC and pH levels of soil in the greenhouse and outdoor nursery.
• Follow integrated pest management SOP, insuring spray rotation and proper greenhouse sanitization to insure adequate growing conditions including weekly monitoring and identification of various greenhouse pest and diseases.
• Ensuring that the greenhouse and outdoor nursery stays clean including free of clutter, weeds, and algae.
• Ensure timely request of greenhouse supplies such as soil, trays, pots, pesticides, and other maintenance supplies to the manager for timely inventory stocking. 
• Assist with propagation of plants in the micropropagation lab and greenhouse for field planting.
• Assist the team members with sample collection, sample processing and packaging from the greenhouse and field plants, as needed.
• Read equipment manuals in order to operate, maintain and repair same.
• Under direction, job duties may also extend to the lab including essential oil distillations and micro-propagation. 
• On occasion, may need to respond to lab and greenhouse emergencies after hours.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Horticulture with 2+ years of experience in greenhouse management or Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture  
• A working knowledge and familiarity with greenhouse growing conditions and operations.
• High energy level, strong self-motivation and a high degree of problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
• A passion for crop production and working with novel plant species.
• A passion for scientific investigation and creative thinking.
• Must have basic computer skills, MS Word, Excel and greenhouse software.
• Ability to obtain a pesticide applicator license.
• Excellent oral communication and written skills.
• Proficient in English, multilingual is a plus.

Kemin is an equal opportunity employer, and all reasonable accommodation will be considered. 

 

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position. 

 

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME