We are looking for a Research Station Facility Specialist who will join our Research & Development team in Marysville, OH.

This position will be based at The Scotts Miracle-Gro world headquarters in Marysville, a suburb of Columbus, OH.  Not familiar with Columbus? Visit columbusregion.com/columbus-2020/

The Ohio Research Station Facility Specialist serves a critical hands-on role in the operation, safety, readiness and appearance of Scotts Ohio Research Station, our largest station located at our Corporate Headquarters in Marysville, Ohio. The Ohio Station enables cutting-edge biological research to develop new lawn & garden products across our extensive number of brands and businesses.

The Research Station Facility Specialist is one of a team of professionals who work to keep the Ohio R&D facilities and infrastructure in research-ready condition with amazing visual appeal. The Station consists of a 17,000 sq ft state-of-the-art greenhouse with a USDA certified insectary, two new indoor controlled environment research facilities totaling over 10,000 sq ft and 100+ acres of turf and garden research areas including shade tree areas, raised beds, rain-out shelters, storage sheds, extensive equipment and utility vehicles. The specialist will be instrumental in helping maintain our amazing resources on a daily basis and identifying ways to improve our operation, processes and systems.

What you’ll do in this role:

• Assist with operating and maintaining the Kelly Research Greenhouse complex and insectary, the Indoor Grow Research Lab and the Pesticide Efficacy Research Lab to provide a state-of-the-art research facility.

• Help monitor the Argus control system and respond to any active alarms.

• Coordinate  and perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on systems such as the Argus greenhouse control system, high intensity light fixtures, evaporative coolers, ridge vents, shade cloth/light deprivation curtains, automated irrigation, RO water system, fertigation, water softener and dehumidification and humidification systems.

• Ensure the function and appearance of extensive field research areas and infrastructure, including 7 acre turf blocks, weed blocks, in-ground research gardens, raised beds, rain-out shelters, hard surface test area, shade tree blocks and storage buildings. 

• Establish and maintain research areas using appropriate agricultural equipment and machinery. 

• Assist with capital improvement projects.

• Assist with key customer tours and events and serve as Station Manager backup on specific responsibilities.

• Interact and communicate with R&D associates who are utilizing the facilities. 

• Actively promote, enact and enforce all environmental, health, safety and security policies and procedures.   
   

What you’ll need to be successful:

• 2-4 years experience in a horticultural or agronomic related facility such as a commercial greenhouse, golf course, sports field, botanical garden, etc.

• Working knowledge in general grounds and facility maintenance, fertilizer and pesticide application, greenhouse operation, and safe operating procedures.

• Passion for everything horticulture.

• Strong collaborative and positive customer-service attitude with good verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to operate environmental control systems, forklifts, mowers, tractors, utility carts, sprayers, spreaders and other typical equipment used to maintain lawns, gardens and greenhouses.

• Motivated to recognize needs, make improvements and find solutions.

• High attention to detail, work quality.

• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot, lift 50 lbs and work both indoors and outdoors where employees may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors.

• Posses or ability to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the State of Ohio within 6 months of employment.