Horticultural Technician

UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 21,025 - 29,945; Part time

Job summary

A leading agricultural college in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking a Horticultural Technician to manage greenhouse and field plants, executing daily operations under technical guidance. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree and relevant field experience. The role involves overseeing plant production and maintaining greenhouse records. This position offers a minimum salary of $18.50/hour, with the possibility of up to 20 hours per week of work. Interested candidates must apply online with a resume and cover letter.

Qualifications

• Field, greenhouse, or research experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a horticultural expert and consultant.
• Execute technical activities of greenhouse and plant projects.
• Maintain records of plant acquisitions and activities.
• Plan and implement instructional plant production schedules.
• Train and assist students and unit staff as needed.
• Coordinate maintenance of greenhouse facility and equipment.

Skills

Field, greenhouse, or research experience

Experience with nutrient management

Experience with pest management

Experience with seed germination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Ecology, Environmental Science or similar

Job description

Overview

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering is seeking a Horticultural Technician. The person in this position will care for existing greenhouse and field plants that are used for phenotyping via digital imaging techniques. They will also germinate new plants in collaboration with the cranberry breeding program to include in the phenotyping program. This is a terminal, fixed-term position with a 12-month duration.

Work schedule is generally 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday–Friday, up to 20 hours per week. A valid US Driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one, is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a horticultural expert and consultant to internal and external stakeholders. May assist with laboratory demonstrations when necessary.
• Execute the technical day-to-day operational activities of a greenhouse complex, botanical garden, or plant research project(s).
• Maintain records of plant acquisitions and of greenhouse/garden activities and schedules.
• Plan and implement instructional plant production schedules; determine and implement proper cultural practices for plant materials, disease and pest control, and plant requirements for light, temperature, moisture, and nutrition.
• Train, assist, and monitor the work of students and unit staff as needed.
• Coordinate the maintenance of a greenhouse facility, equipment, and environmental controls. May coordinate the care of animals and other organisms.

Compensation

The anticipated minimum salary for this position is $18.50/hour. Final salary will depend on qualifications.

Required Qualifications

Field, greenhouse, or research experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with nutrient management
• Experience with pest management
• Experience with seed germination

Education

Bachelor's degree required. Field of Horticulture, Agronomy, Ecology, Environmental Science or similar preferred.

How to Apply

Click on the "Apply Online" button to start the application process. Upload the following documents:

• Resume (required) – Detail your educational and professional background
• Cover Letter (required) – Refer to your related work experience
• Three references (finalists only), including your current/most recent supervisor

Your materials will be used during evaluation to determine qualifications. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. The successful applicant must ensure eligibility for employment in the United States by the start of the appointment.

Contact Information

CALS Human Resources Manager, Erin Cook at [e-mail]
CALS Human Resources Generalist, Carla Boe at [e-mail]

Institutional Statement on Diversity

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison provides a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website. To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process, please contact the Division Disability Representative in the division you are applying to. Employment may require a criminal background check and references may be contacted regarding misconduct where applicable.

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