Also called: Plant Growth Facility Technician
Keeps research greenhouses and growth chambers running so scientists' plant experiments don't fail.
You program growth chambers to mimic a Kansas summer or a Brazilian rainy season, water and repot plants, and check for pests. When an alarm goes off at night because a chamber overheated, you're the one who rescues the experiment.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree in horticulture or plant science, or experience.
Ways in: 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Horticulture, Plant Science.
Growing faster than average (about 6% over 10 years). Agricultural and food science technicians.
Medium risk for 10 years. Automated climate control and plant imaging cut routine checks; hands-on plant care and fixing failing chambers stay human.
Classes: Biology, Horticulture CTE, Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4012.
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