Job Description

Position Overview:
The MAES Plant Growth Facility is located on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus and is used by student and faculty researchers in the course of their research activity. This position is responsible for assisting the PGF Manager and staff in assigning space, managing the facility, requesting and tracking maintenance requests and performance of daily tasks to ensure the quality of the plant growth operations and the safety of personnel working in the facility. 

Major Areas of Responsibility:
● Assist in the daily operation of the physical facility (50%)
   ○ Perform regular inspections of greenhouses lighting, temperature, equipment, and sanitation
   ○ Submit and track repair tickets
   ○ Maintenance of outdoor growing area
   ○ Maintain inventory and track supplies and equipment
   ○ Adjust greenhouse control parameters to meet customer needs
   ○ Understand, communicate and ensure compliance with safety protocols
● Assist faculty and staff with general greenhouse needs (10%)
   ○ Familiarize users with available resources
   ○ Consult with researchers and educators  
   ○ Backup support for horticultural care as needed, assisting when primary personnel are unable to perform their regular duties
● Serve as the primary backup operator for plant growth chambers (3%)
   ○ Identify and respond to growth chamber malfunctions
   ○ Set/adjust growth chamber parameters
   ○ Communicate with customers and vendors
● Perform Integrated Pest Management (IPM) (25%)
   ○ Regularly scout for insects and disease
   ○ Set thresholds for pest presence 
   ○ Utilize current literature and expertise to make informed decisions regarding pesticide selection and timing
   ○ Apply pesticide or other treatments to control pests
● Assist PGF Manager with administrative tasks: (7%)
   ○ Record keeping
   ○ Space assignment
   ○ Data entry
● Assist in the design / advancement of new functions for the PGF (5%)
   ○ Collaborate with faculty and staff on upcoming needs
   ○ Make recommendations for changes in greenhouse design, procedural policies and equipment updates
 

Minimum Qualifications:
● BS in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Entomology, Plant Pathology, or related field with 2 years of relevant experience
● Understanding of modern practices and equipment pertinent to greenhouse operation; experience with the calibration, use and maintenance of greenhouse equipment
● Currently holding or have the ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicators License
● Evidence of effective communication, cooperation and collaboration with co-workers and colleagues 
● Evidence of ability to work independently and problem solve.
● Able to lift 50#

Preferred Qualifications:
● Practical experience with Integrated Pest Management
● Experience with greenhouse operations:
   ○ Climate Control systems
   ○ Heating/Cooling/Ventilation equipment
   ○ Plant Health and Nutrition 
● Experience in training and supervision.
● Proficient with MS Office Software Suite

Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) supports the research of University of Minnesota scientists to improve Minnesota's agricultural and forest products, horticultural crops, human nutrition, family and community life, and environmental quality. The MAES Plant Growth Facility is located on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus and is used by student and faculty researchers in the course of their research activity.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).