Greenhouse Operator

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Tuition benefit program

PSLF opportunity

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Greenhouse Operator to manage daily greenhouse and outdoor nursery operations at the Saint Paul campus Plant Growth Facilities. This hands-on role involves pesticide applications, equipment operation, and coordinating daily activities of student and temporary labor.

The position works under supervision with safety emphasis and requires lifting, manual labor, and collaboration with researchers and staff to maintain safe, functional environments.

Qualifications

• BS in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Pesticide application experience.
• Able to obtain MN Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Physically capable of lifting 50 lbs and operating greenhouse equipment.
• Proficient with Microsoft or Google Workspace applications.

Responsibilities

• Pesticide application in greenhouse and nursery settings.
• Oversee facilities operations including irrigation, benches, lighting, and equipment management.
• Monitor environmental controls and respond to greenhouse alarms.

Skills

Strong communication

Independent work

License eligibility

Pesticide application

Physical readiness

Microsoft/Google Workspace

Equipment operation

Education

BS in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or related field

Job description

About the Job

Percent Time: 100% (Full-time)

Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday, 7:00am – 3:30pm,On-campus

Term: 12-month appointment, continuing

Location: MAES Plant Growth Facility on the University ofMinnesota, Saint Paul campus

Work Environment: In-person

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Cardsponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT trainingprogram.

Position Overview

The Plant Growth Facilities Greenhouse Operator is responsible forthe daily operation of research and teaching greenhouses andoutdoor nursery facilities at the University of Minnesota SaintPaul Campus Plant Growth Facilities. The position is integral tothe successful operation of a greenhouse facility managed by asmall team. The greenhouse operator is responsible for pesticideapplications, greenhouse operations (potting media preparation,plant composting, watering, fertilization, irrigation systemmanagement, supply ordering and inventory, research projectsupport, equipment operation, greenhouse alarm response), andcoordinating daily activities of student and temporary/casuallaborers. The position works directly with researchers, staff, and studentsto maintain safe and functional research environments. This is ahands-on position with work performed under general supervision;progress and outcomes are frequently reviewed with the position’ssupervisor. This position involves substantial manual laborincluding moving soil, plants, supplies, carts, wagons, equipmentand other materials to support operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Pesticide Application (25%)

• Apply pesticides in greenhouse and nursery settings
• Maintain non-commercial pesticide applicator license
• Mix, load, apply, store, and dispose of pesticides according tolabel requirements and safety procedures
• Maintain accurate pesticide application records
• Communicate spray schedules, restricted-entry intervals, andsafety requirements to greenhouse users
• Use required PPE and follow all pesticide safety protocols
• Maintain pesticide application equipment and report equipmentissues

2. Facilities Operations (50%)

• Move soil wagons, carts, benches, plants, supplies, pallets, andequipment
• Set up systems (including irrigation, benches, and lighting) forgreenhouse and nursery areas
• Maintain orderly potting areas, storage spaces, headhouses,aisles, and work areas
• Maintain greenhouse hygiene through frequent sanitation ofgreenhouse environments and containers
• Assist with receiving, unloading, organizing, and storingmaterials.
• Help ensure that the facility remains clean, safe, andfunctional
• Coordinate the daily activities of temporary/casual and studentworkers with duties as assigned by the position's supervisor

3. Greenhouse Systems Operation (25%)

• Monitor greenhouse equipment and report malfunctions
• Make changes to environmental controls based on researchneeds
• Report and respond to greenhouse alarms

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BS in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or a related field,OR a combination of related education and work experience to equalat least four years.
• Pesticide application experience
• Strong communication skills and ability to workindependently
• Ability to obtain a MN Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Able to operate machinery related to greenhouse operations andcompost disposal
• Proficiency in Microsoft or Google Workspace Applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of greenhouse infrastructure and operations
• Experience with greenhouse environmental control systems
• Experience in research/supporting research programs orlaboratories
• Experience with integrated pest management and regulatorycompliance

About the Department

The MAES Plant Growth Facility is located on the University ofMinnesota St. Paul campus and is used by student and faculty researchers in the course of their research activity.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $25.00-$27.40; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type : Civil-Service & Non-Faculty LaborRepresented Staff

Please note that the University offers a comprehensive benefits package thatincludes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional trainingand degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition BenefitProgram
• 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 counselingat no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metroarea

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important tonote that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. Thisapproach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions ofeach candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of ourcommitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered toincoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

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 andopportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment withoutregard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteranstatus, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.