Plant Health Technician
Required Education:- Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Biology, Agricultural Science, Plant Science, or a related field. Preferred Education
- Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
Required Qualifications:- Hands-on experience with microbiology or microorganisms is required.
- Experience with mycology, fungal/bacterial pathogens, plant pathology, or agricultural science.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques used for biological or microorganism characterization.
- Demonstrated proficiency with sterile/aseptic laboratory techniques.
- Ability to follow detailed SOPs and maintain accurate documentation and labeling.
- Strong attention to detail and troubleshooting skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented production environment.
- Comfortable performing repetitive, hands-on production activities.
- Comfortable working in laboratories, greenhouses, growth chambers, and occasional field environments.
- Ability to lift up to 75 pounds on occasion and frequently handle approximately 4–5 lb. inoculum bags during peak production.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential.
Summary:
Seeking a hands-on Plant Health Technician to support the production of high-volume, high-quality microbial inoculum used to characterize plant disease traits within Company's North American breeding pipeline. This is a fast-paced, production-focused laboratory position that combines microbiology, mycology, molecular biology, plant health, and controlled-environment work. The successful candidate will work with fungal and bacterial pathogens while supporting laboratory, greenhouse, growth chamber, and occasional field activities. The position is well suited for someone who enjoys hands-on scientific work, follows procedures carefully, and can maintain high levels of quality and accuracy in a production environment.
Responsibilities:- Culture, manipulate, manage, and maintain fungal and bacterial pathogens.
- Support molecular characterization and identification of microorganisms.
- Prepare growth media, substrates, and other materials used for inoculum production.
- Produce, dry, harvest, package, and ship microbial inoculum while maintaining sterile technique.
- Develop and execute in vitro and in planta assays.
- Plant, maintain, and inoculate plants and collect tissue samples.
- Perform quality control and quality assurance activities.
- Maintain accurate records, labeling, and microorganism documentation in online databases.
- Follow SOPs and maintain strong documentation and traceability throughout the workflow.
- Maintain sterile conditions across laboratories, greenhouses, growth chambers, equipment, and production areas.
- Perform routine sterilization and cleaning of machinery, materials, workspaces, and controlled-environment areas.
- Properly dispose of regulated and non-regulated laboratory waste.
- Support packaging and shipping activities in compliance with applicable procedures.
- Assist scientists with project-related activities as needed.
- Work collaboratively while also managing assigned responsibilities independently.
- Occasionally support work at field sites.
- Maintain compliance with all health, safety, and environmental requirements.
Drug screen & criminal background check will be required
Only those lawfully authorized to work in the designated country associated with the position will be considered. Please note that all position start dates and duration are estimates and may be reduced or lengthened based upon a client's business needs and requirements.
