Plant Care Research Associate

Hiring a Plant Care Research Associate for a seasonal opportunity for the next 3-6 months. Start date is asap!

M-F 5 am to 1:30 pm, subject to change to 6/7 am start time

Job Description

This short-term contract role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge agricultural research focused on beneficial plant-associated bacteria. As a Plant Care Research Associate, you will support experiments conducted at research facilities in Davis, CA and a greenhouse near Woodland, CA, helping to advance innovative microbial solutions that improve plant phenotypes and increase crop yields. You will work closely with a greenhouse plant care team and research staff to set up experiments, maintain plants, and assist with phenotyping activities that drive product development pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively within the greenhouse plant care team to support a high volume of experiments across multiple product development pipelines.
• Perform a variety of experimental setup and routine plant care tasks, including soil mixing, pot filling, seed treatment, watering, and weeding.
• Follow established protocols to ensure consistent plant growth conditions and reliable experimental results.
• Contribute to plant phenotyping activities in research laboratories by lifting, scanning, and replacing pots to help identify beneficial microbes of interest.
• Handle plants and materials safely and efficiently in greenhouse and laboratory environments, maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
• Accurately enter experimental and plant care data into spreadsheets and other computer-based tracking systems.
• Support the team by adapting to changing priorities and schedules based on seasonal conditions, weather, and experimental needs.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and guidelines while performing physical tasks and using greenhouse and laboratory equipment.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a greenhouse and/or plant growth room environment.
• Hands-on plant care experience, including routine maintenance and monitoring of plant health.
• Comfort with physical labor and the ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds safely and repeatedly.
• Ability to work safely in both greenhouse and laboratory settings, following safety training and protocols.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours that may change with season or weather (such as early morning shifts).
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to concentrate on repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• General computer skills, including the ability to enter data accurately into spreadsheets.
• Authorization to work in the U.S.A.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in advancing agriculture and food production through scientific research.
• Motivated and enthusiastic attitude toward learning new techniques and supporting research goals.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Familiarity with laboratory or environmental research settings, particularly involving greenhouse or plant-based studies.

Work Environment

This role is based at research facilities in Davis, CA and a nearby greenhouse facility in Woodland, CA, working primarily in greenhouse and laboratory environments focused on plant and microbial research. The work involves regular physical activity, including lifting, carrying pots, and performing manual tasks such as soil mixing, pot filling, seed treatment, watering, and weeding. Shifts are early and may vary with the season and weather, with current hours around early morning to mid-afternoon and adjustments expected across fall and winter. You will use standard greenhouse and lab equipment, as well as computers for data entry and tracking. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and teamwork, with a culture centered on innovation in microbial solutions that enhance plant performance and crop yields.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Davis, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Davis,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.