Horticulture Scientist

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!

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ROLE:

Based out of the Hawthorne R&D Facility in Kelowna, the Horticulture Scientist will lead the biological requirements of projects to drive a diverse portfolio of new genetics and new products and claims for customers. The Horticulture Scientist will participate in research projects that include growing plants in controlled environments, for studies on new genetics, lighting, nutrition, substrates, varieties, and other inputs. Research will also involve investigating the effects of cultural practices on plant growth, such as irrigation, plant spacing, temperature, CO2 enrichment, and more. The Horticulture Scientist will also work closely with the Genetics & Category teams to provide input to all studies and their execution. The Horticulture Scientist will be responsible to create and execute sound research protocols, collaborating with the study sponsors and supervising the cultivation team. The Horticulture Scientist will analyze the data collected by the cultivation team, collect images from trial results that can be used internally and externally for marketing collateral, make observations on treatment differences that can lead to further testing, and create final reports that can be used to support marketing claims. This role will collaborate closely with study sponsors to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and determine next steps that can help further product innovation or validate product claims.

How will you make an impact?

1. Lead and conduct sound, professional biological research and summarize into research reports that provide clear conclusions and decisions as part of projects leading to new and improved products, new claims and cost savings per established timelines.
2. Drive innovation and future direction by interaction with industry experts, sales associates, universities and growers to understand new technologies, new biological research methods, grower trends and regional differences.
3. Collaborate closely with study sponsors and, at times, other customers in marketing, regulatory, sourcing and manufacturing to ensure alignment on project goals, effective use of resources and explore innovation possibilities.
4. Host facility tours and provide presentations that demonstrate the effectiveness of the research program for senior management, study sponsors, sales team, and key customers.
5. Lead and mentor biology specialists and/or technician.

Who we’re looking for!

1. Minimum education: Master of Science required, Ph. D. preferred, in a relevant biological science such as horticulture, genetics, floriculture, soil science is considered an asset.
2. Experience in a horticulture related field, such as controlled environment agriculture (CEA), greenhouse, hydroponics, or ornamental container nursery: (Master of Science; 3-5 years of experience / PhD; 1-3 years of experience).
3. Cannabis research or experience with a licensed producer is considered an asset.
4. Plant breeding, experimental design, and statistical analysis experience a plus.
5. Strong working knowledge of typical practices in controlled environments, hydroponic and soilless culture.
6. Demonstrated ability to design and lead research programs to answer specific questions to commercialize horticultural products or technologies.
7. Strong verbal and written communication skills to influence direction enable decisions and make progress.
8. Scientific curiosity, personal drive, and networking abilities to find breakthrough technologies, product improvements and cutting-edge methods.

The starting budgeted pay range for this role will generally fall between $109,900.00 - $137,400.00. Hawthorne will consider various factors in determining the actual pay including your skills, qualifications, experience, and geographical location.

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.