CALS- Greenhouse Grower S07- Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (CUAES)

Cornell University•City of Ithaca, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture. While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell. These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success About the College The Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES) is dedicated to sustainable "science for life," in its two-core separate but related functions -- the operation of world-class research facilities throughout the state and the generation and application of research-based knowledge through the administration of federal formula grants. The Cornell AES greenhouse operations on and around the Cornell Campus are, with 127,000 square feet, the largest non-commercial greenhouse facility in the state. The 146 compartments are primarily used as teaching and research facilities, housing 300 to 400 research projects at any given time. Plant services for all of these projects are provided by the dedicated greenhouse staff, which are responsible for the setup, daily care and maintenance. We are seeking two Greenhouse Growers S07 to assist the Greenhouse Supervisor with the daily operations of the CALS Greenhouses and Growth Chambers, a College-wide service facility supporting 18 departments. Responsible for highly sensitive and unique research plant material, this position requires close attention to detail and the best horticultural judgment, while operating within the parameters of project protocols. Provide superior care for diverse and high-value plant material, using the best horticultural technique in all aspects of plant culture. Perform advanced plant care: propagate, vegetatively and by seed; transplant; stake; train; disbud; pinch; prune and harvest. Pay close attention to detail and adhere to high standards of reliability and timeliness. Monitor and adjust the greenhouse and growth chamber environment including temperature, airflow, and lighting - manually or using automated controls. Closely observe the functioning of facility mechanical and environmental control equipment and promptly inform the greenhouse supervisor or appropriate personnel of suspected malfunctions. Set up and operate greenhouse equipment including irrigation, mist and fog systems, sprayers, growth and photoperiod lighting, shade and blackout cloth. Maintain and repair greenhouse equipment. As part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, scout daily for pests and diseases, and apply pesticides or use biological controls in appropriate projects. Follow and promote pesticide and other applicable safety regulations. Understand, follow and promote compliance with the CALS Greenhouse Use Policy, CALS Growth Chamber Use Policy, and Best Management Practices for Cornell Greenhouses. Maintain greenhouses, growth chambers and work areas in a clean, sanitary and orderly condition. Provide responsive and courteous service to all clients. Maintain close communication with clients and the greenhouse supervisor. Anticipate plant growth needs and potential problems and work with project personnel and the greenhouse supervisor to attain satisfactory outcomes. Provide functional supervision of student, part-time and temporary employees. Train staff and clients in plant culture and hygiene techniques. This position is full-time (39 hours/week) located in Ithaca, New York. There will be a requirement to work periodically on weekends, holidays, and the occasional extended hours. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in a plant sciences discipline with 1+ year formal training in greenhouse management or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated horticultural skills and 2+ years of greenhouse experience.
Proven competence in scouting for and identifying greenhouse pests/diseases, pesticide selection, and resistance management in an Integrated Pest Management program.
Familiarity with biocontrol concepts and organisms.
Willing and able to regularly work with and apply pesticides, including use of personal protective equipment.
Must begin apprenticeship and exam study for New York State Commercial Pesticide Applicator/Technician License at or before 3 months of employment. After a maximum of 18 months from start date, must possess and continuously maintain a New York State Commercial Pesticide Applicator/Technician Certification (category 1A 3A. After full Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, the second category must be completed within 6 months.
Proficiency with greenhouse sprayers, fertilizer injectors and related calculations.
Physically able to regularly work from a ladder to hang lamps, black-out curtains, etc.; climb under various types of equipment; shovel dense materials; regularly lift over 50 pounds; work in high-temperature conditions and with a wide range of plant material.
Able to work with shop hand tools, portable drills and saws to construct benches, greenhouse equipment, and related projects.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, e-mail, and web browsers to create plant care notes and reports; maintain inventory and pest management records; communicate on a daily basis with coworkers and clients; research plant cultural and pest control information.
Demonstrated ability to work productively in a team as well as independently.
Must be flexible, service minded and respectful.
Exhibit good organizational skills and close attention to detail.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for coordination with clients and staff.
Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be approved to drive on university business.
Must be able to obtain OSHA forklift operator’s certification within one year from start date.
Have reliable transportation and be willing to respond for emergency duty.
Requires periodic weekend and holiday hours, and occasional extended hours.
Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in the plant sciences or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Research greenhouse or growth chamber plant care experience.
Demonstrated horticultural skills and 3-5 years of greenhouse experience.
Experience in the care of a wide range of agricultural, tropical, and perennial plants.
Expertise with computerized greenhouse and growth chamber environmental controls.
Existing New York State Commercial Pesticide Technician’s License or Commercial Pesticide Applicator license.

Responsibilities

Provide superior care for diverse and high-value plant material, using the best horticultural technique in all aspects of plant culture.
Perform advanced plant care: propagate, vegetatively and by seed; transplant; stake; train; disbud; pinch; prune and harvest.
Pay close attention to detail and adhere to high standards of reliability and timeliness.
Monitor and adjust the greenhouse and growth chamber environment including temperature, airflow, and lighting - manually or using automated controls.
Closely observe the functioning of facility mechanical and environmental control equipment and promptly inform the greenhouse supervisor or appropriate personnel of suspected malfunctions.
Set up and operate greenhouse equipment including irrigation, mist and fog systems, sprayers, growth and photoperiod lighting, shade and blackout cloth.
Maintain and repair greenhouse equipment.
As part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, scout daily for pests and diseases, and apply pesticides or use biological controls in appropriate projects.
Follow and promote pesticide and other applicable safety regulations.
Understand, follow and promote compliance with the CALS Greenhouse Use Policy, CALS Growth Chamber Use Policy, and Best Management Practices for Cornell Greenhouses.
Maintain greenhouses, growth chambers and work areas in a clean, sanitary and orderly condition.
Provide responsive and courteous service to all clients.
Maintain close communication with clients and the greenhouse supervisor.
Anticipate plant growth needs and potential problems and work with project personnel and the greenhouse supervisor to attain satisfactory outcomes.
Provide functional supervision of student, part-time and temporary employees.
Train staff and clients in plant culture and hygiene techniques.

Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays.
Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

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