Job Description

At the Hawthorne Gardening Company (HGC) we want our people to empower more people to garden no matter where and how they choose to grow. We accomplish this by encouraging people to live happier, healthier lives through gardening. If you also feel this way then you’d fit in great with us!

We are looking for a Biology Specialist who will join our R&D team in Marysville, OH.

This position will be based at The Scotts Miracle-Gro world headquarters in Marysville, a suburb of Columbus, OH.  Not familiar with Columbus? Visit columbusregion.com/columbus-2020/

The Biology Specialist will be responsible for field, greenhouse and/or laboratory testing of new or experimental products that may include, fertilizers, pesticides, growing media, lighting, and/or other gardening products.  While this position reports directly to the Hydro Nutrition & Controls  Product Development Manager, management will also extend from senior level biologists. Day-to-day activities in the conduct of biological research will include, but is not limited to, preparation and application of treatments, maintenance of experimental areas, recording observations and statistical analysis of data. It would be beneficial if the incumbent possessed a working knowledge of experimental design and analysis, however a strong scientific curiosity, excellent communication skills, initiative and independence are also essential characteristics.  The specialist will develop strong partnerships with cross-functional experts in R&D, marketing, regulatory, sourcing, and manufacturing, to foster and drive innovation.

What you’ll do in this role:

• Prepare trial areas for laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments with moderate supervision by a senior biologist

• Prepare and test developmental and commercial formulations

• Record laboratory information from preparations and tests

• Prepare and apply fertilizer treatments 

• Create design of experiments, execute trials and collect horticultural data

• Provide recommendations for improving experimental protocols/procedures as well as identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiencies

• Follow research and development standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Use of specialized measurement tools such as SPAD meters, drone imaging, image analysis software

• Use of specialized data analysis software and ability to perform statistical analysis

• Greenhouse and field crop production and maintenance

• Issue detection and general problem diagnosis, particularly with care and maintenance of horticultural species, understanding of harvest techniques

• Engage with project teams to develop new ideas, influence project execution planning, report trial results, and inform product design attributes

• May lead/mentor Biology technicians or interns

• Ship chemicals, manage waste and chemical inventory, and support safety program

This person must also excel in:

• Use of ARM for data input and analysis

• Use of field equipment such as gators, tractors, tillers, etc

• Ability to perform physical tasks such as preparing soil, mulching, planting, water management, weeding, harvesting

• Ability to effectively communicate project objectives and trial details to upper management

• Innovative thinking, willingness to bring ideas and provide consumer perspective to projects & product development

• Passionate problem solver, willingness to speak up and suggest process improvements, create opportunities leading to new products, publications and intellectual property (e.g. patentable innovations)

What you’ll need to be successful:

• BS degree in physical science, biology, botany, agronomy or horticulture; and/or comparable skills & knowledge through industry experience in a laboratory, greenhouse or field setting 

• 1 to 3 years of related work experience

• Attention to detail, accuracy and basic math skills  

• Observational skills to identify visual differences in plant performance  

• Ability to follow work instructions and test protocols

• Personal drive and ability to be a self-starter and work unsupervised   

• Flexibility to deliver on various tasks in support of a wide range of research activity

• Ability to lift 50lb required

• Basic computer skills including: use of spreadsheets, word processing and email

• Capability to be licensed as an FAA drone pilot desired 

• Pesticide applicator’s license preferred but not required

What we do for you (just to list a few cool ones):

• A place on an engaged team of passionate colleagues in a growing and dynamic industry

• Offer extremely competitive benefits including: Health, Dental and Vision coverage

• First day of hire, 401K match (up to 7.5%) and discounted stock purchasing program (15% discount)

• 13 paid holidays and generous vacation policy

• Onsite wellness center which includes: 24,000 sq. ft. fitness center, Walgreens pharmacy and Doctor’s office

• Nutrition reimbursement program (up to $200 per associate and per spouse)

• Beautiful campus and corporate offices designed like a log cabin offering free coffee, chef run cafe and the best crushed ice!

• Our commitment to diversity and inclusion includes employee resource groups: Scotts Women’s Network, Scotts Black Employee Network, Scotts Veterans Network, GroPride Network, and Scotts Young Professionals

Our commitment to LiveTotal Health puts the wellness and safety of our associates and their families as the top priority.  Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring associate safety has been a primary focus for all of us at Scotts.  During this year’s flu season and the continuing pandemic, we remain committed to doing everything we can to keep our associates healthy and safe.   As such, we are requiring our US associates to get a flu vaccine. This safety measure will help protect our associates, our families and our communities.  We recognize a medical or personal circumstance may prevent you from meeting this requirement and we have a process to address those concerns.

Not interested in this role? Check out our other career opportunities and learn more about what it’s like to work at Hawthorne Gardening Company by accessing our Talent Network: HGC Talent Network

The Hawthorne Gardening Company is a start-up company focused on hydroponic gardening. Dedicated to creating high quality products founded in social and environmental responsibility. Backed by the largest lawn and garden company in the U.S. (Scotts Miracle-Gro, NYSE: SMG) we bring new ideas, values, and culture to our endeavors without the constraints of a large corporation. We are an energetic, progressive-minded, sustainability-focused group of highly-motivated individuals, eager to share our love of gardening with the world.

The brands and products within our portfolio include: Sunlight Supply, General Hydroponics, General Organics, Vermicrop, Botanicare, AeroGarden, CanFilters and Gavita Lighting.

Hawthorne Gardening Company 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 Hawthorne Gardening 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 Hawthorne Gardening Company will not consider or approve payment regarding recruiter fees or referral compensations.