<p>Here at Scotts Miracle-Gro there is no such thing as a typical day. Our culture is constantly energized by new and exciting growth opportunities and at a rapid pace. Below are details on an open job. If the role interests you and you would like to be considered we encourage you to apply!</p> <p>At Scotts Miracle-Gro we think people are like plants....in the right place you will grow and flourish. Are you an advocate of making the world a more beautiful place by inspiring others, championing new ideas and being intellectually curious? Are you not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty? If so, then we want you as part of our Scotts family!</p> <p>We are looking for a Biology Specialist who will join our Controls R&D team.</p> <p>This position will be based at The Scotts Miracle-Gro world headquarters in Marysville, a suburb of Columbus, OH.</p> <p>Job Summary</p> <p>The Biology Specialist will be responsible for field, greenhouse, and/or laboratory testing of new or experimental products with an emphasis on insecticides, biological control agents, and integrated pest management (IPM) solutions.</p> <p>Although this position reports directly to the Controls Product Development Manager, day-to-day guidance and direction will also come from senior-level biologists and entomology subject-matter experts.</p> <p>Core responsibilities include preparation and application of treatments (with a focus on insecticide formulations), insect colony/infestation management, maintenance of experimental areas, detailed observation and quantification of insect responses, and statistical analysis of data.</p> <p>A working knowledge of experimental design, insect biology, and pest management is beneficial. However, scientific curiosity, strong communication skills, initiative, and independence remain essential for success. This role will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners in R&D, marketing, regulatory, and supply chain to support the development of innovative insect-management solutions.</p> <p>Job Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li>Prepare laboratory, greenhouse, and field trial areas for insecticide efficacy experiments with moderate supervision from senior biologists. </li><li>Prepare and test developmental and commercial insecticide formulations and related technologies. </li><li>Maintain and handle insect colonies, infest test plants, and monitor pest pressure as needed for controlled studies. </li><li>Record detailed biological and insect-response data during preparations, tests, and ongoing experiments. </li><li>Create designs of experiments, execute trials, and collect entomological and horticultural data. </li><li>Prepare and apply pesticide treatments using proper techniques and safety protocols. </li><li>Provide recommendations for improving experimental protocols, insect-rearing practices, trial setup, and workflow efficiency. </li><li>Follow all research and development standard operating procedures (SOPs). </li><li>Use specialized tools and technologies such as imaging platforms, image analysis software, insect-counting methods, and drone imaging where applicable. </li><li>Use specialized data analysis software and perform statistically sound analysis of biological and entomological results. </li><li>Support greenhouse, field, and lab trials with added responsibility for maintaining consistent pest populations for research use. </li><li>Detect issues and diagnoses insect, plant health, and environmental problems relevant to experimental integrity. </li><li>Engage with project teams to develop new ideas, plan project execution, report entomology trial results, and inform product design attributes. </li><li>Ship chemicals, manage waste and chemical inventory, maintain insect colony materials, and support environmental health and safety (EHS) programs. </li></ul> <p>This person must also excel in:</p> <ul> <li>Use of ARM for data input and analysis </li><li>Use of field equipment such as gators, tractors, tillers, etc </li><li>Demonstrated comfort and aptitude for working with insects and engaging in direct contact with them. </li><li>Ability to perform physical tasks such as preparing soil, mulching, planting, water management, weeding, harvesting </li><li>Ability to effectively communicate project objectives and trial details to upper management </li><li>Innovative thinking, willingness to bring ideas and provide consumer perspective to projects & product development </li><li>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) </li></ul> <p>Ideal Candidates will have:</p> <p>A. Education/Experience:</p> <ul> <li>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 - a focus on entomology is preferred. </li><li>1 to 3 years of related work experience </li></ul> <p>B. Skills and Abilities:</p> <ul> <li>Attention to detail, accuracy and basic math skills </li><li>Observational skills to identify visual differences in plant performance </li><li>Ability to follow work instructions and test protocols </li><li>Personal drive and ability to be a self-starter and work unsupervised </li><li>Flexibility to deliver on various tasks in support of a wide range of research activity </li><li>Ability to lift 50lb required </li><li>Basic computer skills including: use of spreadsheets, word processing and email </li><li>Capability to be licensed as an FAA drone pilot desired </li></ul> <p>The starting budgeted pay range for this role will generally fall between $52,500.00 - $61,800.00 per year. Scotts will consider various factors in determining the actual pay including your skills, qualifications, experience, and geographical location.For remote roles where the final candidate resides in Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Oregon or Washington, state required pay thresholds will be factored into base salary.</p> <p>Here at ScottsMiracle-Gro, we believe providing an enriching and engaging employee experience is what sets us apart from other organizations. We recognize our employees are so much more than just their job title so we offer programs and benefits that support them in all aspects of their lives. Wondering how we do it? Below is a glimpse of our highlight reel…</p> <ul> <li> <p>Our Live Total Health program provides you with options to align to your personal needs. Selections range from medical, dental and vision coverage for you, your spouse/domestic partner and dependents to an outstanding wellness reimbursement program to an unbelievable 401K match (up to 7.5%) as well as a 15% discount on company stock and much more</p> </li><li> <p>We know our talent is our most precious asset and your unique development contributes to our organization's success now and in the future. Career growth at our company is not always a ladder. It's much more like a rock climbing adventure. Grow through exploration and experiences rather than a predictable linear path.</p> </li><li> <p>We value the importance of family. We provide access to Maven Family Planning and up to $30,000 to accommodate for adoption, fertility and surrogacy.</p> </li><li> <p>Be part of something bigger by joining one of our Employee Resource Groups focusing on diversity and inclusion, family, education and sustainability: Scotts Women's Network, Scotts Black Employees' Network, Scotts Veterans Network, Scotts Young Professionals, Scotts Pride Network (GroPride), Scotts Associates for a Greener Earth (SAGE), Scotts Family TREE and our Associate Boards.</p> </li><li> <p>Join a company with a strong belief in giving back to the communities where we live and work. We have a shared passion for service and volunteerism and believe participating in community service benefits our communities and strengthens our team.</p> </li></ul> <p>Not interested in this role? Stay up to date on future opportunities by joining our ScottsMiracle-Gro and Hawthorne Gardening talent communities.</p> <p>Scotts is an EEO Employer, dedicated to a culturally diverse, drug free workplace.</p> <p>EEO/AA Employer/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity</p> <p>Notification to Agencies:</p> <p>Please note that the Scotts Miracle-Gro 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 Scotts Miracle-Gro company will not consider or approve payment regarding recruiter fees or referral compensations.</p>