Greenhouse Technician

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

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POSITION SUMMARY:

Supports greenhouse and plant growth facility operations by maintaining plants, records, and equipment to enhance educational needs and research activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The Greenhouse Technician will assist the Greenhouse Manager in maintaining the UWRF greenhouse and associated outdoor areas with the following core duties/responsibilities:

Plant Care and Maintenance: Planting, transplanting, propagation and managing plant growth. This includes watering, fertilizing, pruning, and ensuring proper spacing and placement of plants. They may also assist with monitoring and controlling pests, diseases, and weeds through integrated pest management techniques.

Environmental Monitoring and Control: Monitoring and maintaining optimal environmental conditions within the greenhouse and plant growth facilities. This includes monitoring temperature, humidity, light levels, and ventilation systems to ensure ideal growing conditions for plants. Assist with operation and adjustment of climate control systems, fans, heaters, and irrigation systems.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and sanitizing greenhouse structures, repairing or replacing equipment, and ensuring proper functioning of heating, ventilation, and watering systems.

Documentation: Help maintain accurate records and documentation related to plant growth, environmental conditions, and any treatments or interventions applied. Share observations and insights and coordinate efforts to ensure efficient greenhouse operations.

Purchasing: Assist with purchasing equipment, supplies, and materials to support greenhouse operations.

Safety: Help ensure safe handling and storage of chemicals, use personal protective equipment, and maintain a safe working environment.

Teaching, Research, and Outreach: Assist with teaching, research, and outreach activities as needed.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Serves as a horticultural expert and consultant to internal and external stakeholders. May assist with laboratory demonstrations when necessary

• Executes the technical day-to-day operational activities of a greenhouse complex, botanical garden, or plant research project(s)

• Maintains records of plant acquisitions and of greenhouse/garden activities and schedules

• Plans and implements instructional plant production schedules; determines and implements proper cultural practices for plant materials, disease and pest control practices, and plant requirements for light, temperature, moisture, and nutrition

• Trains, assists, and monitors the work of students and unit staff as needed

• Coordinates the maintenance of a greenhouse facility, equipment, and environmental controls. May coordinate the care of animals and other organisms

Department: Plant and Earth Science

Compensation: $18 per hour

Required Qualifications:

• H.S. degree or equivalent

• Demonstrated expertise in growing and maintaining plant materials

• Ability to perform daily operations of a greenhouse and plant growth enterprise (i.e., watering, pruning)

• Knowledge of and experience in computer software, including environmental control software.

• Ability to accurately record information and develop reports

• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to ensure compliance with pesticide handling, application and disposal rules and regulations

• Effective problem solving, analytic and organizational skills

• Ability to communicate and interact constructively with supervisor, faculty, fellow staff members, students, and the public

• Knowledge of the proper and safe operation of facility equipment

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in work-related decision making

• Ability to perform routine maintenance of plant growth facilities and equipment, including the proper and safe use of tools used in equipment repair and maintenance

• Demonstrated knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions and ability to observe general workplace safety practices.

• Successful completion of a post-offer employment physical test.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in horticulture, botany, or a related field or 2 years work experience in agricultural or greenhouse settings

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:

• Resume

• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Dan Waletzco

Search Chair

daniel.waletzco@uwrf.edu

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before October 19, 202 5.

The pay rate is $18.00 per hour

The selected candidate must be able to pass a post-offer employment test and hold a valid driver’s license to obtain Wisconsin certification to drive University vehicles.

A six -month probationary period is required.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.95%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to

https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguideus.pdf

UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

Title IX Notice

As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at titleix@uwrf.edu ; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see uwrf.edu/titleIX .

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at https://www.uwrf.edu/Police/Annual-Security-Report.cfm or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy.

Reasonable Accommodations

UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact hr@uwrf.edu or 715-425-3518.

Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression

The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression .

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.