Greenhouse Tsai Lab Student Assistant

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Tsai Lab in the Warnell School of Forestry at UGA is seeking a part-time student worker to maintain experimental trees in field and greenhouse environments. The role supports a greenhouse research technician in inspecting, weeding, trimming and maintaining plants, applying biocontrol and fertilizer, and assisting with additional greenhouse tasks.

Preferred schedule is 3 hours per day, 3–5 days per week, with at least one weekend shift per month.

Qualifications

• Biology, ecology, forestry, or horticulture majors preferred.
• Biology or chemistry coursework and lab/plant care experience are a plus.
• Experience working with plants or in a greenhouse preferred.
• Reliable transportation required.

Responsibilities

• Plant care including watering, scouting for pests, applying fertilizer, pruning.
• Maintain greenhouse, clean and manage supplies, assist with inventory.
• Assist on other research projects as needed.

Skills

Follow instructions

Independent work

Organization

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Physical stamina

Education

Biology major

Ecology major

Forestry major

Horticulture major

Job description

Posting Number:

G/R34204P

Working Title:

Greenhouse Tsai Lab Student Assistant

Department:

Warnell-Research

About the University of Georgia:

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university https://www.uga.edu/. The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Employment Type:

Employee

Anticipated Start Date:

08/17/2026

Posting Date:

08/03/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Location of Vacancy:

Athens Area

EOO Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR [e-mail].

USG Core Values Statement:

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Plant Care (e.g., watering, scouting for pests, applying fertilizer, pulling weeds, making cuttings, pruning)

Percentage of time:

65

Duties/Responsibilities:

Routine maintenance in greenhouse (e.g., washing pots, plant tissue processing and disposal, stocking supplies, general cleaning.)

Percentage of time:

25

Duties/Responsibilities:

Assisting on other research projects as needed

Percentage of time:

10

Classification Title:

Student Assistant

FLSA:

Non‑Exempt

FTE:

.375

Position Summary:

The Tsai Lab in the Warnell School of Forestry at UGA https://www.aspendb.org/) is looking for a part‑time student worker to help maintain experimental trees in their field and research greenhouses. The student assistant will work with our greenhouse research technician to inspect, weed, trim and maintain experimental plants, apply biocontrol and fertilizer, and assist with a variety of other greenhouse maintenance tasks (cleaning, composting, watering). Preferred schedule is 3 hours/day, 3‑5 days/week, plus at least one weekend shift (2‑4 pm) per month. Please include in your cover letter your available hours and desired number of hours/week you’d like to work.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:

Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Horticulture or other science majors preferred. Coursework in biology or chemistry and previous lab and/or plant care experience is a plus. Prior experience working with plants or in a greenhouse is preferred. Reliable transportation is needed (there is no public transportation to our greenhouses).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies :

Ability to follow complex instructions, ability to work independently, organization skills, attention to detail, precision, self‑awareness and manual delicacy, fortitude to perform manual labor in hot, summer conditions.

Physical Demands:

Lift 50 lbs (e.g., bag of soil). Driving to perform job related tasks (take state vehicle to greenhouse or composting site).

Is this a Position of Trust?:

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :

No

Does this position require a P‑Card? :

No

Is having a P‑Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a requirement of this position?:

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

No

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

CJ Tsai

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]