Here at Scotts Miracle-Gro there is no such thing as a typical day. Our culture is constantly energized by new and exciting growth opportunities and at a rapid pace. Below are details on an open job. If the role interests you and you would like to be considered we encourage you to apply! General Summary The Research Specialist serves a critical role in executing diverse biological research tests conducted at Scotts Florida Research Station, as well as overall Station operation, safety and readiness. The Florida Station, located in Apopka FL, is our southern US regional station and therefore serves key markets important to our business. The Station enables cutting-edge biological research to develop new lawn & garden products across our many brands and businesses. The 25-acre station includes greenhouses, field research areas, specialized equipment and unique infrastructure. The Specialist will help successfully execute a wide variety of research tests following detailed experimental protocols to provide the data necessary to launch new products. The person will also have select independent responsibilities as assigned by the Manager depending on expertise and Station needs. The Specialist will work closely with the Station Manager to ensure our extensive facilities, infrastructure and equipment are in research-ready, state-of-the-art condition. Outdoor field areas include extensive turfgrass blocks, weed blocks, research gardens, hard surface/patio test areas and shade blocks. The person will coordinate with internal and external resources to ensure proper operation of field irrigation systems, appropriate mowing practices, weed control and fertilization. The person will lead and/or assist with capital projects, maintain appropriate levels of supplies, follow Environmental Health & Safety principles, and seek innovative ways to improve our research capabilities and efficiency of operation. Key Worked Performed Specific Tasks & Percent of Time Coordinate and successfully execute diverse greenhouse and field research tests as assigned by the Station Manager, with minimal supervision. Proactively provide regular communication to principal investigators to ensure up-to-date progress, key observations and ability to adapt as needed. 60% Ensure overall quality and function of the Station, including greenhouses, turf blocks, weed blocks, research gardens, hard surface test areas, buildings and equipment. Lead and/or assist with capital improvements. 25% Identify, lead and/or assist with capital project improvements, key tours and major events.10% Actively promote, enact and enforce all environmental, health, safety and security policies. 5% Complexity Most difficult or most complex task or project performed by the jobholder: Understand biological research principles and requirements from a wide range of disciplines (horticulture, agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, breeding, etc.) to ensure successful execution of research tests in field and greenhouse conditions. Must have a thorough understanding of warm-season turfgrass maintenance, research gardens, greenhouse systems, etc. to maintain operations and troubleshoot as needed. Must effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to provide state-of-the-art research facilities. Approximate time necessary to complete this task or project from start to completion: Depends upon project or deliverable, generally 2 to 18 months in duration. Degree to which responsibilities require original thinking (provide examples of activities): Moderate to High degree. Ability to organize and execute numerous research tests simultaneously with amazing attention to detail and proactive communication. Optimize use of finite research space to deliver projects, implementing new systems or equipment, identify opportunities to reduce costs. Supervision Exercised Number and titles of positions directly supervised: Possibly an intern or seasonal person. Number and titles of positions indirectly supervised: None Minimum Requirements Education: Minimum B.S. degree in a biological science discipline (Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, Biology, etc.). Experience: Prefer candidates with at least one year of experience in conducting research in a biological field that involved protocols, data collection, tabulation, observations, recommendations, etc. Experience in a horticultural-related facility such as a commercial greenhouse, golf course, sports field, botanical garden or other horticultural-related facility is desirable. Knowledge: Working knowledge in the basic principles of conducting biological field research tests, general grounds maintenance and equipment, fertilizer and pesticide application, greenhouse operation and safe operating procedures. Skills and Abilities: Collaborative, customer-service behavior with good verbal and written communication skills. Operate environmental control systems, forklifts, mowers, tractors, utility carts, sprayers, spreaders and other typical equipment used to maintain lawns, gardens and greenhouses. High attention to detail and work quality. Motivated to identify needs and address them promptly. Ability to work independently, lift 50 lbs and work outdoors. The starting budgeted pay range for this role will generally fall between $48,500.00 - $57,100.00 per year. Scotts will consider various factors in determining the actual pay including your skills, qualifications, experience, and geographical location. Here at ScottsMiracle-Gro, we believe providing an enriching and engaging employee experience is what sets us apart from other organizations. We recognize our employees are so much more than just their job title so we offer programs and benefits that support them in all aspects of their lives. Wondering how we do it? Below is a glimpse of our highlight reel… Our Live Total Health program provides you with options to align to your personal needs. Selections range from medical, dental and vision coverage for you, your spouse/domestic partner and dependents to an outstanding wellness reimbursement program to an unbelievable 401K match (up to 7.5%) as well as a 15% discount on company stock and much more We know our talent is our most precious asset and your unique development contributes to our organization’s success now and in the future. Career growth at our company is not always a ladder. It’s much more like a rock climbing adventure. Grow through exploration and experiences rather than a predictable linear path. We value the importance of family. We provide access to Maven Family Planning and up to $30,000 to accommodate for adoption, fertility and surrogacy. Be part of something bigger by joining one of our Employee Resource Groups focusing on diversity and inclusion, family, education and sustainability: Scotts Women’s Network, Scotts Black Employees’ Network, Scotts Veterans Network, Scotts Young Professionals, Scotts Pride Network (GroPride), Scotts Associates for a Greener Earth (SAGE), Scotts Family TREE and our Associate Boards. Join a company with a strong belief in giving back to the communities where we live and work. We have a shared passion for service and volunteerism and believe participating in community service benefits our communities and strengthens our team. Not interested in this role? Stay up to date on future opportunities by joining our ScottsMiracle-Gro and Hawthorne Gardening talent communities. Scotts is an EEO Employer, dedicated to a culturally diverse, drug free workplace. EEO/AA Employer/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Notification to Agencies: Please note that the Scotts Miracle-Gro company does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement, and specific approval to submit resumes to an approved requisition, the Scotts Miracle-Gro company will not consider or approve payment regarding recruiter fees or referral compensations. Looking to stay connected for potential future opportunities? Join our talent community and let us find opportunities that match your talent. Leave your contact details and CV/Resume and our Talent Acquisition Team will reach out to you if we find a ScottsMiracle-Gro or Hawthorne role that suits your skills. Don't see a job you're interested in? Sign in to your account or create an account by going to "Sign In". Then click "Job Alerts" to set up alerts for future jobs that may be of interest. To change the language, click on "English" at the top right corner of the screen and select your preferred language. If you are already signed in, click the cloud icon and go to Change Language. Para cambiar el idioma, haz clic en "English" en la esquina superior derecha de la pantalla y selecciona tu idioma preferido. Si ya habías iniciado sesión, has clic en el icono de la nube y ve a "Cambiar idioma". Si vous souhaitez changer la langue, merci de sélection-ner "English" en haut, à droite de l'écran et de choisir la langue dans laquelle vous souhaitez postuler. Si vous êtes déjà connecté à votre compte, cliquez sur le nuage en haut à droite de l'écran et sélectionnez "Change Language". Om de taal te wijzigen, klikt u op "Engels” rechtsboven op het scherm en selecteert u uw voorkeurstaal. Please note that the Scotts Miracle-Gro company does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement, and specific approval to submit resumes to an approved requisition, the Scotts Miracle-Gro company will not consider or approve payment regarding recruiter fees or referral compensations. ScottsMiracle-Gro will never ask for payment or financial information at any stage in the recruitment process. Learn more here Are you currently a Scotts Miracle-Gro or Hawthorne Gardening Company associate? Log into the company's network and apply through Workday via the Garden.