Research & Development Assistant

Green Circle Growers was founded in 1968 by John van Wingerden. With just a few acres, Green Circle Growers began selling to other companies like variety stores, lumber yards, hardware stores, and grocery stores. Today, Green Circle Growers is still owned and operated by the van Wingerden family and has grown to over 150 acres of indoor growing space. Our state-of-the-art greenhouses offer many different environments to keep up with the demanding mix of products that today's market expects. We now provide plants to regional and national stores across the United States and Canada. We are able to market and offer broad products to mass merchants, as well as to growers. The retail market expects the full line of annuals in flats, containers, and baskets. The grower line produces pre-finished containers, plugs, and liners.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Research & Development Assistant supports research and trialing activities by collecting data, maintaining plant material, and ensuring accurate execution of trial protocols. This role works closely with the Research & Development team and growers to help evaluate new ideas, products, and growing practices.

JOB DUTIES

Grow and maintain plants for trialing purposes and assist in developing trial-specific growing protocols Collaborate with the Growing team to maintain required environmental and cultural conditions for successful trials Partner with the Growing team to collect data, apply treatments, and carry out trial protocols as needed Collect samples for laboratory analysis while ensuring proper handling and documentation Communicate lab results to relevant stakeholders and record data for future review and analysis Support the integrity and consistency of trials throughout all stages of the production process Assist in the laboratory on an as needed basis Maintain organization, cleanliness, and overall readiness of R&D areas Ensure a clean, organized, and safe work environment in all operational areas All other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or other related field or relevant experience required 1+ year(s) of experience working in a greenhouse environment Valid Ohio Pesticide Application License or the ability to obtain one Consistently follows all safety policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure a safe work environment Demonstrates strong flexibility and adaptability in response to a fast-paced work environment with shifting priorities Excellent verbal and written communication

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT & REQUIREMENTS

Plant/Production facility, occasionally outside, or in-store; Possible extreme heat/cold dependent on season Continuously requires ability to follow verbal and/or written direction Frequently requires walking, lifting (up to 50lbs), carrying, reaching, kneeling, pushing/pulling (up to 200lbs), bending, and crouching Occasionally requires sitting, standing, fine dexterity, climbing and handling May require ability to operate machinery, drive vehicles (truck, car, van, tug, forklift) or use equipment such as hand tools, computers, or general business equipment