Greenhouse Operator

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 71,635,000 - 78,523,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Medical benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks a Greenhouse Operator to manage daily greenhouse operations at the Saint Paul Campus Plant Growth Facilities. The role involves pesticide application, facility maintenance, and coordination of student and temporary laborers to ensure safe, efficient research environments.

The position requires a BS in a related field or 4+ years of equivalent experience, and a MN pesticide applicator license is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences or related field, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• Pesticide application experience.
• Ability to obtain a MN Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft or Google Workspace Applications.

Responsibilities

• Pesticide Application: apply pesticides in greenhouse and nursery settings; maintain license; mix, load, apply, store, and dispose of pesticides; maintain records; communicate spray schedules and safety requirements.
• Facilities Operations: move soil and other materials; set up irrigation, benches, and lighting systems; maintain orderly work areas and sanitation; coordinate daily activities of temporary/students.
• Greenhouse Systems Operation: monitor equipment; adjust environmental controls; respond to greenhouse alarms.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to work independently

Physical ability to lift 50 lbs

Education

BS in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences

4+ years related education and work experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

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

Term: 12-month appointment, continuing

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

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

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Position Overview

The Plant Growth Facilities Greenhouse Operator is responsible for the daily operation of research and teaching greenhouses and outdoor nursery facilities at the University of Minnesota Saint Paul Campus Plant Growth Facilities. The position is integral to the successful operation of a greenhouse facility managed by a small team.

The greenhouse operator is responsible for pesticide applications, greenhouse operations (potting media preparation, plant composting, watering, fertilization, irrigation system management, supply ordering and inventory, research project support, equipment operation, greenhouse alarm response), and coordinating daily activities of student and temporary/casual laborers.

The position works directly with researchers, staff, and students to maintain safe and functional research environments. This is a hands‑on position with work performed under general supervision; progress and outcomes are frequently reviewed with the position’s supervisor. This position involves substantial manual labor including moving soil, plants, supplies, carts, wagons, equipment and other materials to support operations.

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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 to label requirements and safety procedures
   • Maintain accurate pesticide application records
   • Communicate spray schedules, restricted‑entry intervals, and safety requirements to greenhouse users
   • Use required PPE and follow all pesticide safety protocols
   • Maintain pesticide application equipment and report equipment issues
2. Facilities Operations (50%)
   • Move soil wagons, carts, benches, plants, supplies, pallets, and equipment
   • Set up systems (including irrigation, benches, and lighting) for greenhouse and nursery areas
   • Maintain orderly potting areas, storage spaces, headhouses, aisles, and work areas
   • Maintain greenhouse hygiene through frequent sanitation of greenhouse environments and containers
   • Assist with receiving, unloading, organizing, and storing materials.
   • Help ensure that the facility remains clean, safe, and functional
   • Coordinate the daily activities of temporary/casual and student workers 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 research needs
   • 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 equal at least four years.
• Pesticide application experience
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently
• Ability to obtain a MN Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Able to operate machinery related to greenhouse operations and compost 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 or laboratories
• Experience with integrated pest management and regulatory compliance

About the Department

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.

Pay and Benefits

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

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming 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 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

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.