Plant Sciences Associate

Be a part of a transformative, high-performing team and culture. The Agricultural Sciences team, part of Disney's Animals, Science & Environment, offers positions that 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 agriculture/horticulture sciences, including expertise in one or more of the following areas: plant sciences, hydroponics, plant nutrition, entomology, or plant tissue culture.

The Plant Science Associate role is a position with vast possibilities for skill expansion and development.

Plant Science Associates are initially trained in the daily operational work for one specific area of the greenhouse show or backstage greenhouses. Once familiar with the specific area of assignment, responsibilities broaden to include learning all technical aspects of the greenhouses and front-line positions within Agriculture Sciences. Plant Science Associates are expected to learn and be subject matter experts in sustainable agriculture for the Behind the Seeds tour training of Education Guides. Associates are expected to assist with technical questions the Guests may ask during the Behind the Seeds Tour.

Candidates must possess the ability to 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.

What You Will Do

• Maintain and enhance a high-quality sustainable agriculture greenhouse show of over 150 different hydroponically grown food crops from around the globe 
• Propagate, transplant, irrigate, prune, and harvest a wide variety of plants 
• Participate in and facilitate training sessions, classes, and meetings to gain technical skills and promote professional growth within agricultural sciences 
• Expertly implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to ensure effective, sustainable pest control solutions 
• 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
• Collaborate effectively with Agricultural Sciences salaried staff to constantly improve the Guest experience. Drive the greenhouse show changes over time by suggesting and adding new growing systems and new plant varieties. Suggest ideas for and implement show changes that align Living with The Land with Epcot Festivals.
• Lead and advocate for our platinum-level Zero-Waste recycling program ensuring its continued success and sustainability
• Engage in safety training sessions, drills, and meetings
• Be trained as back-up coverage for Seas aquaculture team 
• Possess advanced technical skills to maintain and repair plant and irrigation systems, ensuring optimal performance
• Conduct observations and tests to assist in identification of pathogens and insect pests to ensure early detection and mitigation of plant health risks
• Assemble and troubleshoot new hydroponic growing systems to enhance the overall show experience
• Manage supply inventory and coordinate timely ordering to ensure consistent stock and operational efficiency
• Ensure complete traceability of harvested produce in compliance with the Food Safety guidelines 
• Enhance departmental operation by proposing crop and system ideas, implementing creative troubleshooting solutions, and continuously updating technologies to improve the Guest experience 
• Train new Plant Science Interns on all essential greenhouse and laboratory tasks and operations while providing mentorship and support intern research initiatives
• Train ASE Guest Animal Experience Education Cast covering research, plant science, agriculture, entomology, pathology, plant tissue culture and hydroponics to ensure they can effectively lead the Behind the Seeds tour 
• Provide hands-on knowledge and expertise for technical questions that Guests have on the Behind the Seeds tour and at the tour desk
• Follow all safety protocols including using proper food safety guidelines 
• Receive level 2 Ride Motion Protection (RMP) Training and utilize RMP within the show greenhouses
• Contribute to the creative process and design of display overlays in the greenhouses for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (Epcot Festivals)
• Build and install unique vignettes, lighting displays, and gardens within The Land greenhouses for Epcot Festivals
• Identify and report plant pests to salaried team. Apply IPM tactics for pest management.
• Learn all greenhouse systems, environmental controls, irrigation programming, vehicle fueling, pump and filtration systems, hydroponic growing mechanics 
• Recognize issues with plant health, greenhouse operations systems, or plant growing systems and resolve problem and/or report to Leader
• Role specific: department radio trainer 
• Role specific: prepare media and tissue culture for a wide variety of plants used in The Land greenhouses and/or for a tissue-cultured merchandise Item 
• Role specific: grow, package, deliver, inventory, and keep inventory of the tissue culture merchandise item: Mickey’s Mini Gardens
• Role specific: maintain tissue cultures and a clean tissue culture laboratory 
• Role specific: rear insect colonies housed at The Land to be used within the show greenhouses and for our Guests to learn from on Behind the Seeds tour. 
• Role specific: work with maintenance partners to coordinate efforts for necessary facility repairs
• Role specific: Power Industrial Truck (PIT) training to operate stationary vertical lift, forklift, pallet stacker and electric pallet jacks

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Passion for and experience working with food crops in greenhouses 
• (Adherence to laboratory safety procedures 
• A valid U.S (United States) Driver's License 
• Ability to lift 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
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to and familiarity with data collection
• Capacity to understand and abide by Worker Protection Standards

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

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.