Greenhouse Technician

JOHNNY'S SELECTED SEEDS was established in 1973 by Rob Johnston, Jr. Today we are 100% employee-owned. Johnny's mission is Helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service.

Johnny's is renowned for our exceptional customer service offering seeds, tools, supplies, and information to direct-market growers and avid home gardeners. We source, breed, trial, and sell outstanding selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally.

We are a strong, stable company focused on growth while still maintaining our small company feel and staying true to our roots. Beautiful Central Maine, where our research farm, fulfillment center, and administration offices are located, is the perfect launching point for an active, four-season lifestyle. Geographically situated halfway between Maine's mountains and its 4500-mile-long coastline, we are a short drive away from resorts, parks, and harbors renowned for a rich diversity of recreational and cultural opportunities.

Greenhouse Technician

Position Summary:

The Greenhouse technician position is in the Albion facility and reports to the Greenhouse Manager. Under general supervision, this position is focused on plant care, including watering, feeding, pruning, propagation, testing, and plant management: operate environmental control equipment, help maintain greenhouse facilities, including installation, maintenance, and repair of special equipment: and assist in special projects. It also supports the Research and Production team in growing and maintaining variety trials, breeding workshops, and seed production crops at the Albion Research Facility and surrounding contracted fields during the growing season when needed. Entry level starts at $17 /hour and varies with experience.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with planting, transplanting, and crop maintenance of greenhouse seedlings and other greenhouse crops from planting to crop removal


• Insect, disease, and weed scouting, identification and management in field and greenhouses


• Keep the greenhouses clean and presentable


• Assist the Greenhouse Manager with assorted daily tasks


• Conduct general maintenance of greenhouse


• Crop maintenance which includes trellising, thinning, pruning, plastic and row cover installation and removal


• Harvesting of trial plantings, breeding projects, and seed production jobs


• End of season clean-up of fields, equipment, and greenhouses


• Assist in other functions as needed

Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required


• An agricultural/farming background is preferred but willing to train the right candidate


• Prior greenhouse experience preferred

Qualifications & Skills:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills


• Ability to capture detailed data


• Safety conscious


• Positive, can-do attitude; self-motivation


• Analytical and creative problem solver


• Be creative and energetic regarding innovative ideas and methodologies regarding greenhouse production


• Ability to prioritize, focus, and seek help when needed


• Work independently, build consensus and function as part of a team


• Excellent attention to detail

• Punctuality and readiness to work

• Work mandatory weekend hours, assigned holidays, and overtime as needed.

• Apply or release chemical and biological materials to manage insects, diseases, and weeds. IPM (Integrated Pest Management) techniques used for application and release


• Help Maintain the greenhouse facility, including installation and repair of structures, ventilation, irrigation, and other


• Must understand this is a research facility and the priority is supporting our internal departments


• Hold a valid Maine driver's license for travel from office to field with company vehicle/personal vehicle. Mileage reimbursement is available for employees using their own vehicle.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to operate, maintain, and perform repairs to greenhouse machinery and equipment


• Ability to read, count, and write to accurately complete all tasks


• Ability to work varied hours/days as business dictates


• Ability to work in less-than-ideal weather


• Agility to work and navigate on uneven, rocky ground


• Ability to bend, pull, and lift up to fifty pounds


• Ability to climb and work with ladders


• Able to work in an extremely hot, humid environment for 8 or more hours per day


• Able to wear proper personal protective gear when required.


• Able to work around bees and other pollinators.

If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with fellow co-owners who are

passionate about our mission and values, Johnny's may be the place for you!

Johnny's Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.