Greenhouse Systems Technician

North Central College; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 6,000 - 11,000; Part time

Job summary

North Central College in Naperville, IL seeks a part-time greenhouse operations assistant to monitor environmental conditions, verify automated plant care systems, and maintain facilities. You will support students during experiments, keep workspaces clean, and ensure data is accurately recorded.

The role requires morning and afternoon availability, physical capability for lab maintenance, and good communication with faculty and students.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of chemistry, plant biology, and greenhouse systems.
• Excellent communication and coordination with students and staff.
• Able to perform physical labor safely.
• Morning and afternoon availability.

Responsibilities

• Environmental Monitoring: Visually inspect and monitor greenhouse temperature and humidity levels via the control monitor, ensuring all data is being properly recorded by the system software.
• System Verifications: Verify that the automated watering system and pad pump system are operating as programmed.
• Pad & Sump Inspection: Visually inspect evaporative cooling pads for bowing, sagging, or dry streaks, and ensure the pads dry completely every 24 hours to prevent degradation. Check the sump water level and clear out any resting debris.
• Water Chemistry: Test and adjust water pH to remain within target parameters.
• Facility Upkeep: Sweep standing water from the floor, spray down floors to remove any nutrient build-up, and collect/discard plant debris to prevent drainage clogs.
• Academic Support: Assist students with experimental plants and thoroughly clean up facility workspaces following student use.

Skills

Greenhouse systems

Water chemistry

System monitoring

Facilities maintenance

Student support

Data logging

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

North Central College in Naperville, IL seeks a part-time greenhouse operations assistant to monitor environmental conditions, verify automated plant care systems, and maintain facilities. You will support students during experiments, keep workspaces clean, and ensure data is accurately recorded.

The role requires morning and afternoon availability, physical capability for lab maintenance, and good communication with faculty and students.