Supervisor

Weekend Supervisor – Plant Science / Agriculture

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a Weekend Supervisor to support the Pesticide Discovery organization of a leading global agricultural sciences company. This is an excellent opportunity for a plant science, agriculture, biology, or related professional to work in a research-focused greenhouse and controlled-environment setting while coordinating a small team and supporting innovative pesticide discovery programs.

Position Details

Location: Newark, DE

Pay: $25/hour

Schedule: Weekend Schedule, Friday-Tuesday, 7am-3:30pm (includes holidays and site closures)

Contract Length: Long-term contract; 12 months, renews automatically

About the Role

The Weekend Supervisor will support multiple Pesticide Discovery research groups by overseeing plant propagation activities and coordinating weekend operations across greenhouses and growth chambers.

This position will supervise a small team of part-time weekend workers responsible for watering and maintaining plants during weekends, holidays, and site closures. The Supervisor will work closely with research team members to ensure plants are properly propagated, staged, and maintained according to project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate weekend greenhouse and growth chamber activities.
• Train and coordinate part-time team members responsible for watering and plant care.
• Propagate diverse crop and weed species using various soils and growth media.
• Maintain plants in protected greenhouse and controlled-environment growth chamber settings.
• Learn and apply the specific growing and nurturing requirements of different crop and weed species.
• Propagate and stage uniform experimental plant material for pesticide screening and bioassay studies.
• Coordinate with research teams to ensure plant material is available when needed for experiments.
• Monitor plant health, growth, quality, and development while identifying issues requiring attention.
• Follow established protocols and translate verbal and written research instructions into accurate day-to-day activities.
• Support continuous improvement of plant propagation methods, resource utilization, and sustainability.
• Properly dispose of unused, poor-quality, or completed bioassay materials.
• Follow appropriate procedures for the disposal and management of noxious plant species.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to propagation and plant care activities.
• Follow all laboratory, greenhouse, chemical, and site safety procedures.
• Communicate effectively with researchers, technicians, and other team members to meet project timelines.
• Work independently when needed while supporting broader research team objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Previous experience with plant propagation.
• Experience working in a research laboratory, greenhouse, growth chamber, or similar scientific environment.
• Strong attention to detail and observational skills.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions and translate them into consistent, accurate work.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to train, coordinate, and work effectively with a diverse team.
• Demonstrated reliability and ability to consistently complete work on schedule.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Familiarity with laboratory, greenhouse, and workplace safety procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and standard computer applications.
• Interest in or familiarity with greenhouse, controlled-environment chamber, and/or field trials involving experimental chemicals.

What You'll Gain

This role provides hands-on exposure to plant science, pesticide discovery, greenhouse research, bioassay preparation, controlled-environment agriculture, and research operations. The successful candidate will work directly with multidisciplinary research teams and contribute to the development and evaluation of experimental herbicide candidates.

Apply Today

If you have a background in plant science, agriculture, biology, horticulture, or a related discipline and enjoy hands-on research, plant propagation, and team coordination, Kelly Science & Clinical would like to hear from you!