University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Seeks Research Greenhouse Specialist in Agriculture


Research Greenhouse Specialist in Agriculture
for the development, implementation and supervision of plant care protocols
for research and educational programs and projects.
Two full time positions are available.
- Develop, implement and supervise the daily plant care and maintenance protocols for research and educational projects.
- Consult with greenhouse users regarding proper soil types, fertilizer regimes, production methods, pest-control and sanitation procedures for existing and new projects.
- Monitor and scout for insect pests and disease symptoms weekly.
- Implement and apply appropriate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices according to project needs and maintain biological controls.
- Grow, maintain and propagate plant material for the horticultural plant collections and educational programming.
- Autoclave plant materials as needed following transgenic protocols.
- Support other PCF research staff; supervise weekly and daily activities for PCF student and hourly workers. Train and supervise student and hourly employees.
- Identify and investigate equipment and/or facility issues within assigned greenhouse section.
- Notify and update the PCF Greenhouse Coordinator of mechanical, equipment or facility issues and repairs in a timely manner.
- Apply and remove whitewash, seasonally.
- Service the evaporative cooling systems, seasonally.
- Respond to greenhouse environmental alarms following a rotational schedule, including greenhouse emergencies.
- Assist in PCF Storeroom inventory and organization as needed.
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Update research and education project records. Maintain up-to-date space utilization charges through management software.
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Implement greenhouse policies and procedures as established by the PCF Advisory Committee.
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Promote a safe working environment for all greenhouse users, students, staff and faculty.
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Interact with faculty, staff and students with opportunities for outreach and educational activities.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Plant Biology, Crop Sciences, or other related field, required.
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Required experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience in a greenhouse, field or nursery production. Experience with use of computers for word processing, spreadsheet and database software management is required.
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Valid Driver’s License
- Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain a Pesticide License from the State of IL
- 3 or more years of greenhouse, field or nursery production experience.
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Ability to work independently on tasks to complete weekly goals
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Strong communication and organization skills
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Experience or familiarity with plant science research and experimental setup
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Knowledge of basic greenhouse equipment and environmental controls
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Knowledge of various pest-management strategies and biological controls
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Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a hot, humid environment
Additional Information:
The position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.
Applications:
For full job description, please visit here.
Candidates should create a profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload their Curriculum Vitae (including email address), a letter of interest, and names and contact information for three professional references who are familiar with the candidate’s qualifications and experience by November 1, 2021. All requested information must be submitted for the application to be considered.
For more information, contact Rosie Metallo
Plant Care Facilities Coordinator
217-300-2069 OR rmetallo@illinois.edu.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Convictions are not a bar to employment. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.