Field Research Site Technician I - Temporary
The Facilities and Support Services department of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a temporary position as a Field Research Technician I. This position is responsible for plant care and facility maintenance at the Field Research Site. Duties may include planting, irrigation, fertilizing, harvesting, weeding and pest management for plant research materials for the Danforth Center and contracted research projects. This position will conclude in late fall with an expectation of 40 hours per week. Those who are finishing school in mid-May and starting in mid-August are welcome to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Perform routine manual agricultural work involving a variety of general farming and maintenance tasks relating to research activities or projects supporting the agricultural program of the Center, including:
- Cut and mow grass and weeds
- Load and unload fertilizer, seed, supplies, equipment, machinery, and other materials; operate small to medium sized truck to deliver such items as directed
- Assist in processing, drying milling and weighing of plant material
- Assist in soil coring and root washing
- Maintain Field Research Site facility infrastructure, including:
- Under close supervision, make minor repairs to farm equipment
- Replace damaged or defective equipment parts
- Make routine adjustments, sharpen cutting edges, etc.
- Assist others in repair tasks and in the assembly of new equipment
- Assist others in the construction and upkeep of barns, sheds, shelters, and other farm buildings or fixtures
- Assist scientific personnel on plant care and data collection as needed
- Other duties as assigned
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- General knowledge of farm work
- Ability to stand, bend and lift for prolonged periods of time in summer heat, work to be performed in an outdoor environment
- Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship.
Qualifications:
- Valid license to drive company vehicles to bring materials and equipment to and from work sites/fields required
- High school degree
- Farm or garden experience highly preferred
Submission:
- A simple cover letter stating why you would be good for this position
- Contact information for three (3) professional references
About the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center:
Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent, nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Our focus is scientific research at the nexus of food, energy, and the environment to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We assemble interactive teams of scientists and develop unique platforms to discover underlying principles about how plants work. We then convert that knowledge into useful crops and products, and partner with organizations that are best positioned to solve problems where they exist around the world. The Centers work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and from charitable contributions from individuals, companies, and foundations.
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is proudly an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Danforth Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is our policy that the Danforth Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin and status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this web site, please contact Human Resources, at 314-587-1033 for further assistance.