Greenhouse Grower S05- Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Stations (CUAES)

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This Greenhouse Grower position will assist the Greenhouse Supervisor with the daily operations of the CALS Greenhouses. Responsibilities include providing excellent care for high value plants, closely following direction provided, including watering and fertilizing of plants. Maintain greenhouses and work areas in a clean, sanitary and orderly condition. Pay close attention to detail and adhere to high standards of reliability and timeliness. Members of the community are expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically 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. Monitor the greenhouse equipment and environment and promptly report problems. Assist with the set-up, operation, maintenance and repair of greenhouse equipment. Wash and sanitize pots, trays, tools, greenhouses and work areas. As instructed, scout for pests and diseases. Perform advanced plant care such as propagation, staking and pruning, as directed. Adhere to sustainability guidelines and Best Management Practices for Cornell Greenhouses. Maintain close communication with the greenhouse supervisor. Following all applicable safety regulations, trainings, rules and procedures. This position is full-time (39 hours/week) and located in Ithaca, New York. There is a requirement to work regular weekends, holidays, and the occasional extended hours. This is an on-site position and is not remote or hybrid compatible. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and one to two years of greenhouse growing experience with demonstrated horticultural plant care skills.
Willingness to maintain a schedule of regular weekend and holiday hours with a maximum of 8 weekend days off per year.
Demonstrated ability to consistently pay close attention to detail.
Proven competence for observing and identifying plant stressors.
Physically able to regularly climb and work from a ladder; bend/kneel, climb under benches and equipment; efficiently shovel dense materials; lift over 50 pounds; and ability to work work in all temperature conditions including extreme cold and warm.
Able to safely and effectively work with shop hand tools, portable drills and power saws.
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.
Must have and maintain a valid New York State driver’s license and be approved to drive on university business.
Have reliable transportation and be willing to respond for emergency duty.
Must obtain and maintain Federal Worker Protection Standard Training offered by the university.
Must complete all safety trainings as specified by their Supervisor and Cornell EH&S.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, e-mail, and web browsers to communicate on a daily basis with coworkers.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in Greenhouse Management.
Successful completion of formal coursework in greenhouse plant care.
Experience in research greenhouse plant care.
Experience in the care of a wide range of tropical, agricultural, woody, and perennial plants.
Greenhouse IPM and Scouting experience or training.

Responsibilities

Providing excellent care for high value plants, closely following direction provided, including watering and fertilizing of plants.
Maintain greenhouses and work areas in a clean, sanitary and orderly condition.
Monitor the greenhouse equipment and environment and promptly report problems.
Assist with the set-up, operation, maintenance and repair of greenhouse equipment.
Wash and sanitize pots, trays, tools, greenhouses and work areas.
Scout for pests and diseases.
Perform advanced plant care such as propagation, staking and pruning, as directed.
Adhere to sustainability guidelines and Best Management Practices for Cornell Greenhouses.
Maintain close communication with the greenhouse supervisor.
Following all applicable safety regulations, trainings, rules and procedures.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Three weeks of vacation
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.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program