Plant Sciences Associate

Job Posting Title:

Plant Sciences Associate

Req ID:

10146649

Job Description:

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 a