Automation Team Assistant
Johnston, IA
Date Posted:30-Jun-2026
Work Type:On-Site
Job Number:490456
Job Description
Job Title: Automation Team Assistant
Location: Jhonston, IA
Duration: 4+ Months
Schedule: 7:30AM - 4:00PM, M-F with rotational weekend work required (approximately every 6th weekend, 7:30AM - 4:00PM).
Is Driving Required for the asssignment? Yes;Frequent
Description:
We are looking for a responsible and highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Controlled Environments Team. Here, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter what your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – solving the world’s food problems through innovation, technology, and putting people first. We have an exciting opportunity to join our company at our Johnston, Iowa research facility. We are looking for candidates who take initiative, love to learn, work hard, and have a stable work history.
Responsibilities – What You Will Do:
Requirements – Who You Are:
What expertise have you grown? What do you bring to the table?
Location: Jhonston, IA
Duration: 4+ Months
Schedule: 7:30AM - 4:00PM, M-F with rotational weekend work required (approximately every 6th weekend, 7:30AM - 4:00PM).
Is Driving Required for the asssignment? Yes;Frequent
Description:
We are looking for a responsible and highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Controlled Environments Team. Here, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter what your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – solving the world’s food problems through innovation, technology, and putting people first. We have an exciting opportunity to join our company at our Johnston, Iowa research facility. We are looking for candidates who take initiative, love to learn, work hard, and have a stable work history.
Responsibilities – What You Will Do:
- Work in a safe manner, following written procedures and protocols.
- Perform routine tasks such as:
- Running an industrial tipper/grinder
- Driving company truck and trailer
- Using forklift and pallet jack to organize and stock supplies.
- loading and running automated washers such as a pot & flat washer.
- Perform basic plant care tasks within the automated headhouse and greenhouses.
- Assist with Transplanting plants into the automated headhouse
- Assist in various plant samplings within the automated headhouse and greenhouses
- Troubleshoot and document issues within various automated systems.
- Works once every 6th weekend, with comp days once adequately trained
Requirements – Who You Are:
What expertise have you grown? What do you bring to the table?
- Good communication skills, a high degree of self-motivation, positive attitude
- The ability work well independently
- Close attention to detail, and the ability to follow standard operating protocols while ensuring personal safety and ergonomics.
- The ability to drive company vehicles, such as a forklift, truck, and trailer. Must have Valid driver’s license.
- Basic computer skills including experience with MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook), and a willingness to gain competency with internally developed research software. A positive attitude towards robots is also a bonus.
- Ability to sit/stand for long periods of time, lift up to 30 pounds, and perform repetitive work in a warm, humid greenhouse with pollen present year-round.
Applicant Notices & Disclaimers
- For information on benefits, equal opportunity employment, and location-specific applicant notices, click here
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position's pay range is $21.00/hr – $22.85/hr.