Research Lab and Greenhouse Technician

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Research Lab and Greenhouse Technician.

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs skilled maintenance, repair, adjustment, and minor work in the trades to ensure that Ag Research Lab and Greenhouse facilities are properly maintained and meet College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology standards. Duties may fall into a variety of trades, including carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates preventative maintenance on Ag Research laboratories, greenhouse systems, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and control systems and related components.
• Identifies and maintenance projects requiring the assistance of FVSU Plant Operations or contractors or vendors; participates in estimates and evaluations of project costs; monitors work of vendors or contractors. Assists in the review of new construction or remodel plans to assure compliance with facility maintenance standards.
• Maintains induction and air handling units; cleans and inspects all equipment, filter changes, lubricates, maintains and services mechanical and refrigeration and/or cooling systems.
• Performs electronic recordkeeping related to preventative maintenance and repair.
• Maintains a broad working knowledge of materials, systems and code requirements related to maintenance of university facilities.
• Responds to college emergencies and closures including adverse weather to ensure that all facilities are protected and remain operational
• Operates an FVSU Ag vehicle and is responsible for its safe operation and reporting any observed maintenance needs.
• Coordinates college moves associated with construction / maintenance projects.
• Experience in moving, delivering, and assembling equipment, furniture, and other large items.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5 years of facilities maintenance, construction, or repair experience in a commercial or industrial setting.
• 2 years of education or training, or an associate degree, in the facilities maintenance trades may substitute for two years of work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license for operation of a motor vehicle and possess an acceptable driving record.

PHYSCIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors with exposure to various weather conditions.
• May be exposed to potentially hazardous conditions, noise, and temperature extremes.
• Position involves frequent bending, standing, kneeling, climbing ladders, reaching below and above shoulders, and lifting objects weighing up to 50 lbs. while performing job duties.
• Wrist, hand and finger dexterity is required to operate various equipment and materials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of: Power and hand tools used in facilities maintenance; recordkeeping techniques and regulations, including use of automated record systems; use of personal computer and email; customer service practices.

Skill in: Computer use to maintain logs, inventories and purchasing records.

Ability to: Use a variety of tools and power equipment; plan and coordinate work; track and plan preventative maintenance work; maintain records and reports in computerized and written formats, compliant with regulatory requirements; effectively use email and automated calendaring systems; make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately; knowledge of health and safety regulations; work independently with minimal supervision; understand and follow oral and written directions; work from blue prints and shop drawings; establish and maintain teamwork relationships.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.