Controlled Environment - Maintenance Technician

This is a contract position based in Chesterfield, MO, and is fully onsite.

About the role

The Controlled Environment Maintenance Technician prepares greenhouse and growth chamber spaces for research use by performing thorough cleaning, irrigation setup, and system readiness tasks. This role ensures all controlled environment areas meet operational and safety standards before plant material enters, supporting reliable research operations and timely space availability.

Responsibilities

• Execute greenhouse exit and entry readiness checklist tasks to ensure spaces meet operational and safety standards before use.
• Perform deep cleaning of irrigation systems, including flushing and sanitation procedures, to maintain reliable water delivery and prevent contamination.
• Set up and disconnect irrigation carts, rails, and hoses in accordance with established procedures.
• Inspect and troubleshoot basic irrigation components such as emitters, valves, hoses, and leaks, and report issues that require further maintenance.
• Clean and maintain floors, drains, benches, carts, and work areas to uphold a safe, organized, and hygienic environment.
• Stage and secure equipment according to safety standards to support safe operations and prevent damage or misuse.
• Verify readiness of irrigation and environmental systems prior to handoff for planting, ensuring all systems function as required.
• Support turnaround timelines by completing tasks efficiently to meet space availability targets for research activities.
• Communicate issues requiring maintenance or escalation to the appropriate teams or supervisors in a timely and clear manner.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and documentation requirements while performing daily tasks.

Requirements

• Experience working in a greenhouse, agriculture, facilities, or similar environment.
• Familiarity with irrigation systems or mechanical systems, including basic components and operation.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, standing for extended periods, and handling water and equipment.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure thorough cleaning, accurate system setup, and reliable readiness checks.
• Commitment to safety practices, including following safety standards for equipment staging and environmental cleanliness.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) consistently.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• Experience with maintenance technician duties in controlled environments such as greenhouses or growth chambers.
• Experience in agriculture, horticulture, facilities maintenance, or related fields.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for irrigation components such as emitters, valves, hoses, and leak detection.
• Strong communication skills to report issues, escalate problems, and coordinate with other teams.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks while meeting turnaround timelines and space availability targets.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00 per hour.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short- and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave)