Plant Sciences Associate

Job ID 10146649 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Apr. 02, 2026

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Job Summary:

Be a part of a transformative, high-performing team and culture. The Agricultural Sciences team, part of Disney's Animals, Science & Environment, offers positions that provide you with hands-on work experience in the unique growing areas that are part of Living with The Land, an agricultural attraction at Epcot®. This position in Agricultural Sciences requires a professional background in agriculture/horticulture sciences, including expertise in one or more of the following areas: plant sciences, hydroponics, plant nutrition, entomology, or plant tissue culture.

The Plant Science Associate role is a position with vast possibilities for skill expansion and development.

Plant Science Associates are initially trained in the daily operational work for one specific area of the greenhouse show or backstage greenhouses. Once familiar with the specific area of assignment, responsibilities broaden to include learning all technical aspects of the greenhouses and front-line positions within Agriculture Sciences. Plant Science Associates are expected to learn and be subject matter experts in sustainable agriculture for the Behind the Seeds tour training of Education Guides. Associates are expected to assist with technical questions the Guests may ask during the Behind the Seeds Tour.

Candidates must possess the ability to learn operational aspects of all disciplines of agricultural sciences represented at The Land and advance the technical work in their area of expertise in agriculture, hydroponics, plant sciences, research, plant tissue culture, or entomology.

What You Will Do

Maintain and enhance a high-quality sustainable agriculture greenhouse show of over 150 different hydroponically grown food crops from around the globe
Propagate, transplant, irrigate, prune, and harvest a wide variety of plants
Participate in and facilitate training sessions, classes, and meetings to gain technical skills and promote professional growth within agricultural sciences
Expertly implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to ensure effective, sustainable pest control solutions
Propose and develop research projects and variety trials in conjunction with PhD-level Research Manager in the Department. Conduct thorough investigations, and accurately collect and summarize data culminating in reports of research findings for the improvement of show greenhouses
Collaborate effectively with Agricultural Sciences salaried staff to constantly improve the Guest experience. Drive the greenhouse show changes over time by suggesting and adding new growing systems and new plant varieties. Suggest ideas for and implement show changes that align Living with The Land with Epcot Festivals.
Lead and advocate for our platinum-level Zero-Waste recycling program ensuring its continued success and sustainability
Engage in safety training sessions, drills, and meetings
Be trained as back-up coverage for Seas aquaculture team
Possess advanced technical skills to maintain and repair plant and irrigation systems, ensuring optimal performance
Conduct observations and tests to assist in identification of pathogens and insect pests to ensure early detection and mitigation of plant health risks
Assemble and troubleshoot new hydroponic growing systems to enhance the overall show experience
Manage supply inventory and coordinate timely ordering to ensure consistent stock and operational efficiency
Ensure complete traceability of harvested produce in compliance with the Food Safety guidelines
Enhance departmental operation by proposing crop and system ideas, implementing creative troubleshooting solutions, and continuously updating technologies to improve the Guest experience
Train new Plant Science Interns on all essential greenhouse and laboratory tasks and operations while providing mentorship and support intern research initiatives
Train ASE Guest Animal Experience Education Cast covering research, plant science, agriculture, entomology, pathology, plant tissue culture and hydroponics to ensure they can effectively lead the Behind the Seeds tour
Provide hands-on knowledge and expertise for technical questions that Guests have on the Behind the Seeds tour and at the tour desk
Follow all safety protocols including using proper food safety guidelines
Receive level 2 Ride Motion Protection (RMP) Training and utilize RMP within the show greenhouses
Contribute to the creative process and design of display overlays in the greenhouses for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (Epcot Festivals)
Build and install unique vignettes, lighting displays, and gardens within The Land greenhouses for Epcot Festivals
Identify and report plant pests to salaried team. Apply IPM tactics for pest management.
Learn all greenhouse systems, environmental controls, irrigation programming, vehicle fueling, pump and filtration systems, hydroponic growing mechanics
Recognize issues with plant health, greenhouse operations systems, or plant growing systems and resolve problem and/or report to Leader
Role specific: department radio trainer
Role specific: prepare media and tissue culture for a wide variety of plants used in The Land greenhouses and/or for a tissue-cultured merchandise Item
Role specific: grow, package, deliver, inventory, and keep inventory of the tissue culture merchandise item: Mickey’s Mini Gardens
Role specific: maintain tissue cultures and a clean tissue culture laboratory
Role specific: rear insect colonies housed at The Land to be used within the show greenhouses and for our Guests to learn from on Behind the Seeds tour.
Role specific: work with maintenance partners to coordinate efforts for necessary facility repairs
Role specific: Power Industrial Truck (PIT) training to operate stationary vertical lift, forklift, pallet stacker and electric pallet jacks

Required Qualifications & Skills

Passion for and experience working with food crops in greenhouses
(Adherence to laboratory safety procedures
A valid U.S (United States) Driver's License
Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Can operate a company vehicle under inclement weather, including minimal lighting
Can work in hot, humid greenhouses
Understanding of plant biology, pest management and horticultural practices
Familiarity with plant identification, growth requirements, and environmental conditions
Experience or familiarity with hydroponic growing systems
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to and familiarity with data collection
Capacity to understand and abide by Worker Protection Standards

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Plant Science, Horticulture, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agriculture or related field

Preferred Education

Relevant certifications in horticulture, pest management, food safety, arboriculture or landscape design

Additional Information

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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About Walt Disney World Resort:

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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Explore this Location Lake Buena Vista, FL

Lake Buena Vista is home to the Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment complex, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and several resort hotels are located with the City limits.