Job Description

Research Assistant

Job Title: Research Assistant

Location: Florida

Department: Research and Development

Reports To: Director of Research

FLSA Status: Exempt

Company Overview:

B&W is the world’s largest grower of watercress, and a premier specialty produce operation cultivating arugula, water spinach, upland cress, kale, and spinach. With seasonal farms across six U.S. states, B&W ensures a consistent, year-round supply of high-quality product. For more than 145 years, B&W has set the industry standard in product excellence and reliability, serving grocers, chefs, restaurateurs, and wholesalers nationwide.

Job Summary:

We are looking for a hardworking, hands-on Research Assistant to support research trials, tissue culture propagation, and greenhouse expansion related to leafy brassica crops, including watercress, water spinach, arugula, kale, and others. This hands - on role involves lab work, transplanting, basic data collection, and occasional supervision, with both indoor and outdoor tasks in varying conditions. No advanced research background is needed—just a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. A valid driver’s license is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

· The individual will be able to demonstrate effective experience in postharvest and food safety to improve handling, preparation, and storage of leafy brassica crops (watercress, arugula, upland cress, kale, and spinach).

· Be involved in research trials to control pests and diseases but also to find out bio stimulants to enhance plant growth in leafy brassica crops.

· Collect and process water samples for food safety purposes to determine coliforms and E. coli pathogens at preharvest time. of leafy vegetable crops.

· Prepare growing media for watercress and water spinach for in vitro propagation as well as other tissue culture procedures such as:.

· Sterilize lab glassware, tools, and equipment using autoclaves and chemical methods.

· Ensure cleanliness, safety, and compliance with SOPs across lab, greenhouse, and packing areas.

· Follow all safety and environmental protocols and promptly report hazards or violations.

· Coordinate with field teams on planting, harvesting, and trial logistics.

· Work outdoors in varying conditions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE –

- HS Diploma with 2-3 years of experience in agriculture.

• COMMUNICATION SKILL LEVEL –

- Must be able to read and write effectively as to prepare written daily reports and email correspondence.

- Bilingual in Spanish and English – strongly preferred

• COMPUTER SKILLS – Basic computer skills and comfortable with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and statistical software.
• PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS – Strong leader with proven results in plant/crop expansion and knowledge in plant science disciplines.
• CERTIFICATIONS and/or LICENSES REQUIRED – Must have a valid driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED - Knowledge of agricultural tools and laboratory equipment.

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