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

Posted on October 20, 2021

Position Title
Research Greenhouse Specialist in Agriculture

Position Summary

This role will serve as 12 month professional with primary responsibility
for the development, implementation and supervision of plant care protocols
for research and educational programs and projects.

Everything the College of ACES does is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence. Be a part of our story.

The Research Greenhouse Specialist in Agriculture serves as a 100% FTE, 12 month professional with primary responsibility for the development, implementation and supervision of plant care protocols for research and educational programs and projects. The Research Greenhouse Specialist is one of a team of professionals in the Plant Care Facility, a year-round operation focusing on providing services to faculty, staff, students and external stakeholders.

Two full time positions are available.

Specific responsibilities of the Research Greenhouse Specialist in Agriculture are as follows:

Greenhouse Research Support

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.

Greenhouse Facility Management

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.

Administration

Update research and education project records. Maintain up-to-date space utilization charges through management software.
Implement greenhouse policies and procedures as established by the PCF Advisory Committee.
Promote a safe working environment for all greenhouse users, students, staff and faculty.
Interact with faculty, staff and students with opportunities for outreach and educational activities.

Administrative Relationship

The Greenhouse Research Specialist is responsible to the Plant Care Facility Coordinator.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Plant Biology, Crop Sciences, or other related field, required.
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.
Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to work independently on tasks to complete weekly goals
Strong communication and organization skills
Experience or familiarity with plant science research and experimental setup
Knowledge of basic greenhouse equipment and environmental controls
Knowledge of various pest-management strategies and biological controls
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a hot, humid environment

Position Requirements:

To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside (for instance in a greenhouse, outside in fields etc.), and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors including, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well including, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting and moving items that weigh up to fifty (50) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. Ability to climb a ladder is also required.

This position will require occasional weekend and holiday availability.

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.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status... For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.

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