Research And Development Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Proven Winners Carleton is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Product Development Assistant to join our Research & Development team and support daily operations within our greenhouse, warehouse, and outdoor trial garden environments. In this role, you will assist with plant propagation, transplanting, spacing, labeling, shipping preparation, tissue sampling, pest scouting, and general greenhouse and garden maintenance activities. You will work closely with fellow Product Development team members to support research initiatives, maintain plant health, and ensure accurate recordkeeping while following all sanitation and safety protocols.

This position is responsible for supporting the successful development, evaluation, and maintenance of plant material through all stages of the research process. Candidates should be comfortable working in greenhouse and outdoor environments, performing physical tasks such as lifting, moving materials, standing for extended periods, and working with plants throughout the growing season. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, with seasonal fluctuations in hours based on departmental needs. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential. Previous greenhouse, horticulture, agriculture, or plant production experience is preferred but not required.

JOB SUMMARY

Correctly and efficiently work with fellow Product Development team members to accomplish daily tasks occurring in the greenhouse, warehouse and other company grounds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Move, lay down and hang products and materials in a timely manner to support efficient workflow for all team members.
2. Properly transplant plant material that promotes healthy plant growth.
3. Consolidate and/or space Proven Winners products and materials to ensure proper airflow, plant development, and accessibility.
4. Dump/Discard products, as assigned to maximize space utilization.
5. Ability to match all label information from stock pot labels to cutting labels to transplant labels. Correctly read and interpret labels of all sizes.
6. Assist in shipping exhibition (trade show) and/or Research & Development (R&D) material so that products arrive at their destination, in conditions as expected.
7. Assist with plant tissue sampling during peak season by accurately taking samples of products to test for nutritional or developmental deficiencies and plant viruses.
8. Accurately complete all required documentation.
9. Support the biocontrol program throughout the growing season by scouting for pests, removing old sachets and placing new biocontrol’s.
10. Prepare and support the Research and Development garden by assisting with irrigation repairs and weeding.
11. Abide and uphold all Proven Winners sanitation guidelines.

a. This position is required to wear gloves when working with plants or handling plant material. Accurately change gloves when needed.

b. This position follows additional sanitation protocol including wearing a lab coat while working in the product development greenhouse, or other areas if applicable.

12. Operate all equipment and fulfil other job requirements following all safety standards. Report safety issues in a timely, accurate and appropriate manner. Utilize equipment only after receiving the required training.

13. Complete all other tasks assigned to support the research and development team.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrate the ability to maintain a positive and cooperative attitude with all fellow employees and across all departments while promoting positive morale by working effectively as a team member.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and accomplish objectives with minimal supervision after training.
• Adjust schedule seasonally as needed IE- willing to work more or less hours depending on the needs of the department.
• Report to work as scheduled, maintaining a level of absences that results in minimal departmental disruption and minimal unfair burden on other employees.
• Demonstrate the ability to follow instructions and cooperate with other team members.
• Be proactive and ask questions when uncertainty arises, to clarify tasks and receive clearer directions.
• Return all tools to their proper place at the end of the task or workday and maintain a clean work area.
• Communicate effectively with supervisor daily regarding task progress.
• Accurately use the time clock to change jobs.
• Demonstrates exemplary organizational skills; ability to perform a daily walk-around to create and then follow a daily task list.

CORE VALUES:

• Collaborating as One Team, One Proven Winners: Our future success is rooted in how well we work together—as one team, who is accountable to each other. Open, transparent, and direct communication remain central to our culture. We value the diverse strengths and perspectives each person brings and are committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful environment where everyone feels safe to challenge and learn from each other.
• Embracing Continuous Improvement: Proven Winners was built on the belief that we could always offer something better. This mindset continues to guide us—whether improving our products, our capabilities, or how we work together. Embracing change strengthens our future and helps us continue leading the industry.
• Pursuing Excellence: From superior plant genetics to building the most trusted brand in horticulture, excellence has always defined Proven Winners. We hold ourselves to high standards across product development, customer service, operations, and internal processes. By striving for excellence in everything we do, we continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers, partners, and one another.
• Doing the Right Thing: Our brand is all about trust. We make ethical, transparent, and well-intentioned decisions, even when the outcome is difficult. We honor our commitments and rely on one another to act with integrity. Together, we uphold this value by caring for one another and the communities that we serve.
• Prioritizing Safety: We prioritize the safety of our employees above all else. Our approach is proactive and prevention-focused, ensuring we maintain safe facilities, provide proper training, and empower every employee to prioritize safety in their daily work

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Previous horticultural background preferred.
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Effective communication skills in both spoken and written English

PHYSICAL ASPECTS

• Repeated bending, pulling and lifting are required.
• Bulk of job is spent standing or walking, sitting, bending to the ground or reaching overhead. You may have to pull carts on 4 wheels castors weighing over 200 lbs.
• Lifting a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Employee will be exposed to the sun and/or high intensity lights.
• Employee may be exposed to temperatures that can be 10-20 degrees above the outside temperature seasonally.
• Employees may work in a wet environment where clothes and footwear can become saturated.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Greenhouse, warehouse and outdoor work settings. Peak season periods may require increased hours, responsiveness and flexibility. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

NOTE

This job description does not exclude responsibilities not specifically stated, but that are apparent, related, or may develop in the normal course of duty.