Research Technician

Research Technician – WinGen, TX

WinGen Plants is a small multinational plant breeding and product development company based in Austin, Texas, USA. We are part of a large international horticultural network and are dedicated to the breeding and development of novel and innovative ornamental plant varieties. At WinGen, you will be working to develop and enhance our breeding programs through applied genetics and plant breeding techniques as well as a thoughtful collaboration with our diverse team.

We are in search of 1 part-time position and 1 full-time position

Position Summary

The Research Technician is responsible for assisting operations at WinGen’s facility in Mustang Ridge, Texas. Primary areas of responsibility:

• Ensure the highest plant quality of all crops at the facility in both a greenhouse and field setting.
• Assist with the maintenance and upkeep of all structures and systems, as well as the facility grounds.
• Work with the WinGen team to ensure all facility tasks are completed on schedule and to the highest standards.
• This is a physically active role which requires a majority of time spent standing, lifting, and completing repetitive tasks.

Reporting Relationship

The Research Technician will report directly to the Operations Manager and routinely assist other on-site managers.

Key Responsibilities

• Growing Tasks: Employee will assist with plant care activities on site at WinGen’s Mustang Ridge facility. You will be part of the team monitoring and executing appropriate fertilization, irrigation, integrated pest management and disease prevention.
• Operational Tasks: Employee will assist with the regular operational tasks including pot filling, transplanting, moving, spacing, dumping, stock maintenance, liner topcuts, harvesting cuttings, pulling tissue samples and labeling.
• Facility Maintenance Tasks: Assist with the maintenance and upkeep of all structures and systems, as well as the facility grounds, including stocking supplies, cleaning and filling foot baths, taking out garbage, cleaning and sanitizing growing areas and weed removal.
• Research and Development Tasks: Assist with the implementation of breeding work on site, including pollinating, harvesting and cleaning seed, sowing, transplanting seedlings, etc.
• Assist with other tasks as needed.

Position Requirements

• Employee will work in accordance with WinGen LLC’s employee code of conduct and employment policies. The position is located at WinGen’s Mustang Ridge, TX facility and the employee must provide their own transportation.
• The employee must be authorized to work in the United States and will always maintain this eligibility.
• Comfort with hands on, physical work, repetitive tasks and standing for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift 30+lbs
• Must be able to work in extreme heat and outdoor conditions

Skills and Attributes

• Self-motivated, organized, and efficient
• Effective communicator
• Ability to read, write, and transcribe alpha-numeric codes and other data.
• Works well independently, as well as in a team environment
• A get-it-done, do-what-it-takes attitude.

Knowledge

• Previous horticultural experience is desired.