Greenhouse Student Assistant - ATI

Ohio State University; Wooster (OH); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University is seeking a Greenhouse Student Assistant at the ATI Plant Science program in Wooster. You will water crops, monitor plant health, and check environmental conditions to ensure optimal growth while supporting daily maintenance tasks in the campus greenhouse.

This role requires reliability, the ability to work with minimal supervision, and good communication. Weekend and summer shifts are common, with training provided and IPM practices followed.

Qualifications

• Previous greenhouse, horticulture, agriculture, or plant-care experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of plant watering and care practices preferred.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Reliable, responsible, and punctual.
• Basic computer skills are helpful but not required.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Must have reliable mode of transportation.

Responsibilities

• Water greenhouse crops according.
• Monitor plant health and report signs of water stress, nutrient deficiencies, pests, diseases, or other crop concerns.
• Check greenhouse environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and irrigation system performance.
• Apply fertilizers as directed and assist with preparing fertilizer solutions when needed.
• Perform general greenhouse maintenance, including sweeping floors and cleaning work areas.
• Washing pots and trays; emptying trash and debris.
• Assist with planting, transplanting, and basic crop care as needed.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Follow IPM practices and report pest or disease issues.
• Complete assigned tasks independently while communicating concerns to greenhouse staff.

Skills

Greenhouse experience

Horticulture knowledge

Independent work

Attention to detail

Reliability

Communication skills

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Job Title

Greenhouse Student Assistant - ATI

Department

FAES | ATI Plant Science Engineering Technologies-JM

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Water greenhouse crops according.
• Monitor plant health and report signs of water stress, nutrient deficiencies, pests, diseases, or other crop concerns.
• Check greenhouse environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and irrigation system performance.
• Apply fertilizers as directed and assist with preparing fertilizer solutions when needed.
• Perform general greenhouse maintenance, including: Sweeping greenhouse floors and hallways
• Cleaning work areas
• Washing pots and trays
• Emptying trash and debris
• Assist with planting, transplanting, and basic crop care as needed.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Follow integrated pest management (IPM) practices and report pest or disease issues.
• Complete assigned tasks independently while communicating concerns to greenhouse staff.

Qualifications

• Previous greenhouse, horticulture, agriculture, or plant-care experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of plant watering and care practices preferred.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Reliable, responsible, and punctual.
• Basic computer skills are helpful but not required.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Must have reliable mode of transportation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and carry items throughout the work shift.
• Ability to lift to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work in varying greenhouse environmental conditions, including heat and humidity.
• Ability to safely operate watering equipment and basic greenhouse tools.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in greenhouse facilities on the OSU Wooster Campus. Duties may involve exposure to varying temperatures, humidity levels, soil, fertilizers, and greenhouse production materials.

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate professionalism and dependability.
• Exercise good judgment and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Provide excellent customer service to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
• Represent The Ohio State University, ATI, and CFAES with integrity and professionalism while supporting the university's mission and shared values.

Schedule

Weekend shifts during the academic year, summer, holiday periods, and university breaks as assigned. Typical responsibilities include checking greenhouse crops, watering, monitoring environmental conditions, and maintaining facility cleanliness during non-business hours.

Additional Information

Location: Skou Hall (0643)

Position Type: Temporary (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours: 10

Shift: Weekend Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.