What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Greenhouse Manager - Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources a position at West Virginia University?
The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences within the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design at West Virginia University is seeking applications for an Assistant Greenhouse Manager.
About the Opportunity
This position will assist the Greenhouse Manager in operating the greenhouse, plant growth chambers, walk-in coolers, plant collection, and freezers as well as managing student workers. The Assistant Greenhouse Manager reports to the WVU Greenhouse Manager and assumes the responsibility of the manager in their absence.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year
(for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof) - WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
- Wellness programs
Pay Grade: 17
What You'll Do:
- Manage the greenhouse facilities (the greenhouse, plant growth chambers, walk-in cooler, and freezers).
- Monitor the heating, cooling, humidifying, watering, and venting systems for proper maintenance and operation of the controlled environment facilities. When necessary, perform or supervise repairs on the aforementioned systems.
- When requested by researchers or as needed, fertilize, propagate, weed, and irrigate in the plant collection.
- Scout disease and perform pest management application, properly handling and storing pesticides.
- Under the Greenhouse Manager's approval, assist faculty in research projects.
- Maintain records of supplies and materials such as pesticides, growing media, plant materials, and equipment for greenhouse facilities.
- Document greenhouse utilization and issues. Present potential solutions and recommendations for improvement.
- Provide care and maintenance of a wide variety of plants with varying growing requirements.
- Assist the Greenhouse Manager and Director of Controlled Environments (DCE) in recruiting, hiring, and training student workers. Coordinate and supervise student workers for daily greenhouse operation (irrigation, fertilization, cleaning, and maintenance of greenhouse).
- Respond to alarms and alerts after business hours, and report to the Greenhouse Manager in case of an emergency.
- Collaborate with building department staff and University Facilities to ensure standard operations at nights and on weekends.
- Assist the Greenhouse Manager or individuals in-charge with educational activities such as tours and workshops.
- Maintain a positive working environment for our faculty, staff, student workers and greenhouse users. Communicate effectively and in a timely manner all important issues with the Greenhouse Manager, faculty, staff and greenhouse users.
- Perform other tasks assigned by the Greenhouse Manager or DCE.
- Incumbent will be required to obtain a WVU Pcard within three months of hire.
- Assist with sale of greenhouse products as needed. Will require cash handling training and will involve contact with the general public.
- Ability to work weekends and holidays on a rotating basis for plant care.
- Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture or related disciplines
- A minimum of six (6) months in the following:
- Plant diversity and plant science
- Research designs and project management
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- High level of motivation, integrity, responsibility, and initiative to solve problems
- Ability to meet deadlines and accomplish objectives of proper maintenance and operation of an interdisciplinary research facility
- Ability to apply analytical and critical thinking skills to achieve the institution's long-range strategic goals
- Excellent interpersonal skills to form positive working relationships staff, faculty, and greenhouse users
- Technical knowledge of equipment and sensors for data collection and greenhouse operation
- Ability to understand research designs and project management skills
- Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time
- Ability to be on call to respond to alarms and alerts after business hours
- Ability to work weekend and holidays on a rotating basis for plant care.
Preferred Qualifications
- Expertise of plant propagation
- Three (3) years of greenhouse experience
- Valid driver's license for independent travel to/from work site during regular hours and occasional off hours when greenhouse/growth chamber alarms need servicing, as well as occasional local travel to obtain greenhouse supplies that are unavailable on Mountaineer Marketplace
- A pesticide applicators license is required to apply pesticides (may obtain this licensure post hire).
- Will require participation in the medical monitoring program.
- Will require training in cash handling process.
- Will require obtaining a State Pcard within three months of hire.
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran
West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.
