Greenhouse Manager and Lab support GA

North Central College; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Naperville is seeking a Greenhouse Manager and Lab Support role. The position requires about 20 hours a week at the Wentz Science Center, focusing on greenhouse management and assisting students. Candidates should possess good communication and organizational skills, a willingness to learn, and be reliable in providing lab support during night labs. This position promotes a collaborative work environment and values diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn about greenhouse management and basic plant care.
• Communicate regularly and clearly with others.
• Effective time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Check greenhouse conditions and manage transitions.
• Ensure watering system and equipment are functioning.
• Assist students with experimental plants and lab support.

Skills

Willingness to learn about greenhouse management

Effective communication skills

Good organizational skills

Ability to troubleshoot issues

Job description

Supervisor Title: Professor of Biology; Chairperson, Department of Biology

Description of Job Duties

The Biology Department is seeking a greenhouse manager who can also provide some lab support. This position will require approximately 20 hours a week, on site in the Wentz Science Center, and hours can be arranged with the supervisor.

• Check on conditions within the greenhouse (temperature, humidity, software working) and help to ensure smooth seasonal transitions in greenhouse
• Ensure watering system is working as programmed
• Ensure pad pump is working properly, weekly cleaning and weekly testing of water pH and adjusting as needed
• Maintenance of surfaces to prevent mold and algae growth: sweep floors, spray down floors for any nutrient build up, wipe down counters and equipment, discard plant debris to prevent drains clogging
• Assist students with experimental plants
• Clean up after students use the facility
• Lab support can include monitoring supplies in various lab rooms, getting extra reagents (pre-made) from the prep room, being on‑site during night labs to assist with unexpected issues that might arise

Job Qualifications

• Be willing to learn about greenhouse management and basic plant care
• Communicate regularly and clearly through written communication and verbally via phone calls
• Follow the instructions for equipment use and testing
• Manage time effectively
• Possess good organizational skills
• Be able to think on one’s feet to troubleshoot issues as they come up
• Be reliable for lab support
• Promote a flexible, collaborative and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion

EEO Statement

North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. North Central College provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation, please notify the Office of Human Resource. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.

Posting Supplemental Questions

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• * Please select the answer that best describes your student work authorization:
  • I am authorized to work for any US employer and can provide documentation, if hired.
  • I am an international student with a US social security number authorized for campus work.
  • I am an international student and will need to apply for a US social security number, if hired.
  • I cannot provide US work authorization.