University of Connecticut Hiring for Greenhouse Horticulturist (Laboratory Assistant) at Storrs Campus Full Time

Search #: 497619
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Laboratory and Research Operations

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) at the University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus, seeks qualified applicants for the position of Laboratory Assistant, to serve as a Horticulturist in the UConn Botanical Conservatory (http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/). The Living Plant Biodiversity Collection is largely housed in a 10,400 sq ft greenhouse complex and holds over 7,600 specimens representing nearly 3,000 species, including nearly a dozen that are extinct in the wild and thus irreplaceable, and several dozen more that are rare or critically endangered. The successful candidate will provide support to the teaching and research greenhouse program as a tropical collections horticulturist. The incumbent will be responsible for the daily horticultural care and management of greenhouse specimens as well as maintenance of the physical facility.

This position reports to the Senior Educational Program Administrator, the manager of the facility.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Daily horticultural activities of the Torrey Life Sciences collections facilities.
• Integrated pest management and pesticide spraying as necessary.
• Recordkeeping.
• Some maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Provide tours of EEB greenhouse collections and participation in outreach events.
• Satisfactory completion of all training required.
• Provide general sanitation of the growing and work areas.

In conjunction with the facility manager, the incumbent will:

• Assist with the scheduling and growing of biology teaching lab materials.
• Assist with supervising student and volunteer workers.
• Will be responsible for shared monitoring of the Argus control system.
• Respond to emergency alarms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and up to one year of related experience in a greenhouse environment; OR Associate’s degree in a related field and two years of related experience in a greenhouse environment.
• Broad knowledge of general botany concepts.
• Broad knowledge of plant care/horticultural techniques as applicable to a diverse collection of plants.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, computer, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and holidays with short notice.
• Ability to climb ladders, remain on feet for several hours, and carry hoses and other supplies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree in a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in tropical plant cultivation.
• Experience with Integrated Pest Management techniques.
• Proven plant propagation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to recognize/rectify developing cultural, nutritional, and pest problems before they affect plant growth.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions concerning the cultivation of plant materials.
• Demonstrated ability to engage a diverse user base and convey collection information to collection users and visitors.

APPOINTMENT TERMSThis is a permanent full-time 12-month appointment. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience. The University offers an outstanding benefits package, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLYPlease apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497619 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on June 30, 2023.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

Advertised: Jun 16 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 30 2023 Eastern Daylight Time