Plant Sciences Associate

About the Role & Team:

Be a part of a transformative team and culture. The Agricultural Sciences team, part of Disney's Animals, Science & Environment, offers positions designed to provide you with hands-on work experience in the unique growing areas that are part of Living with The Land, an agricultural attraction at Epcot®. This position in Agricultural Sciences requires a professional background in horticultural sciences including plant biology, nutrition, entomology, and plant tissue culture.

As a Plant Sciences Associate, you will learn operational aspects of all disciplines of agricultural sciences represented at The Land and advance the technical work in their area of expertise in agriculture, hydroponics, plant sciences, research, plant tissue culture, or entomology. You will learn and be a subject matter expert in sustainable agriculture for the Behind the Seeds tour training of Education Guides and will assist with technical questions the Guests may ask during tour.

You will report to the Horticulturist & Student Program Manager.

This is a Full-time role.

What You Will Do:

• Maintain a high-quality greenhouse show of over 150 hydroponically-grown food crops from all over the globe

• Propagate, transplant, irrigate, prune and harvest a wide variety of plants

• Provide show-quality maintenance and general cleanup: washing, raking, and sweeping greenhouse areas

• Expertly implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to ensure effective, sustainable pest control solutions

• Build and install unique vignettes, lighting displays, and gardens within The Land greenhouses for Epcot Festivals

• Learn all greenhouse systems, environmental controls, irrigation programming, vehicle fueling, pump and filtration systems, hydroponic growing mechanics, and how to properly use horticulture tools and equipment

• Recognize issues with plant health, greenhouse operations systems, or plant growing systems and resolve problem and/or report to Leader

• Propose and develop research projects and variety trials in conjunction with PhD-level Research Manager in the Department. 

• Conduct thorough investigations, and accurately collect and summarize data culminating in reports of research findings for the improvement of show greenhouses

• Lead and advocate for our platinum-level Zero-Waste recycling program ensuring its continued success and sustainability

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Interest in working with food crops in greenhouses and working in a laboratory

• A valid U.S. Driver's License

• Heavy lifting of up to 50 lbs

• Can operate a company vehicle under inclement weather, including minimal lighting

• Can work in hot, humid greenhouses

• Understanding of plant biology, pest management and horticultural practices

• Familiarity with plant identification, growth requirements, and environmental conditions

• Experience or familiarity with hydroponic growing systems

• Ability to and familiarity with data collection

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Plant Science, Horticulture, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agriculture or related field

Preferred Education:

• Relevant certifications in horticulture, pest management, food safety, arboriculture or landscape design

Additional Information:

Benefits & Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

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