Greenhouse Assistant at Whitman College

Whitman College; Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Whitman College is seeking a Greenhouse Assistant (In the Hall of Science) to support the Botany Professor and Biology Department Coordinators. The role involves plant care, propagating plants, and maintaining a plant-specifications database, with opportunities to participate in outreach and events.

The position is part-time (3-6 hours/week) with a starting date in Fall 2026. The pay rate is $17.13 per hour, and the supervisor is Travis Morgan.

Qualifications

• Must have taken a 100 level Biology course or any course with a botany component.
• Strong ability to self-direct by taking initiative and prioritizing tasks.
• Reliable, punctual, and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Responsibilities

• Plant care, including watering, pest control, and fertilizing.
• Maintain stocks of greenhouse supplies.
• Maintain a database on plant specifications.
• Propagate plants for classes and research.
• Occasional cleaning and housekeeping tasks in the greenhouse.
• Participate in greenhouse events and outreach.
• Attend weekly meetings.

Skills

Biology basics

Communication skills

Education

100 level Biology course

Job description

You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

JOB TITLE: Greenhouse Assistant (In the Hall of Science)
HIRING RANGE: $17.13 - $17.13/hour
START DATE: Fall 2026

JOB PURPOSE:
Greenhouse Assistants work with the Botany Professor and the Biology Department Coordinators in maintaining Whitman College’s Greenhouse Collection. The Greenhouse Assistant will follow all safety procedures as outlined by the Biology Department and the College. They must be able to communicate effectively and follow work directions, both written and verbal, as laid out for them. This position works 3-6 hours /week.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Plant Care; includes watering, pest control, fertilizing, etc.
• Maintaining the stocks of greenhouse supplies
• Maintaining a database on specifications of each of the plants in our collection
• Propagation of plants for use in classes and research
• Occasional cleaning and housekeeping tasks around the greenhouse
• Participation in Greenhouse events and outreach
• Attending weekly meetings

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED FROM THIS EXPERIENCE
Greenhouse Assistants gain an understanding of the operational requirements of a greenhouse.Students gain organizational skills, experience working with plants, an understanding of plant phylogeny, and a working knowledge of laboratory safety. They gain a strong sense of reliability and responsibility as they work both independently and as part of a team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have taken a 100 level Biology course or any other course with a significant botany component. (Applicable job experience can count towards this requirement)
• High capacity to self-direct by taking initiative, prioritizing and juggling multiple responsibilities, and completing tasks
• Reliable, punctual, and responsive during scheduled work hours

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Some previous work in a greenhouse environment is preferred, but not required.
• A strong interest in botany and a sincere desire to help maintain the Biology Department's living collections.

SUPERVISOR: Travis Morgan, Biology Lab Coordinator and Environmental Studies Technician
SUPERVISOR CONTACT: [e-mail]
POSTING DATE: October 20, 2025