Greenhouse Plant Technician / Weekend Waterer

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a part-time (50% FTE), permanent position within the Institute of Biological Chemistry at Washington State University. The role supports research and extension activities by watering and caring for greenhouse and growth chamber research plants. The position requires weekend and holiday watering of all research plants in the Institute of Biological Chemistry growth facilities, typically taking 8-10 hours per weekend. During the week, up to 10 hours of plant care and watering support are provided in assigned areas, preferably in the morning starting at 8:00 a.m. Communication with growth facility staff on Mondays and Fridays is essential for coordinating plant care needs, with flexibility to adjust hours. The role also involves propagating, planting, and caring for plants under greenhouse and field conditions, potentially overseeing student employees, and assisting with plant production activities such as weeding, irrigating, fertilizing, pest management, and general plant care. Responsibilities include monitoring environmental conditions, fertilizing, planting, cultivating, propagating plants (including transgenic plants), monitoring for and treating pests, harvesting and storing seeds, labeling plants, maintaining records, maintaining tools and equipment, and cleaning facilities.

Requirements

• High School graduation or GED certificate AND three years of work experience in plant research, propagation, or related work; OR equivalent education/experience.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive knowledge of the cultural requirements of plants.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Watering and caring for greenhouse and growth chamber research plants on a 20-hour-per-week schedule.
• Watering all research plants in the Institute of Biological Chemistry growth facilities on weekends and holidays (approximately 8-10 hours per weekend).
• Providing up to 10 hours of plant care and watering support during the week, preferably in morning hours starting at 8:00 a.m.
• Maintaining regular communication with growth facility staff on Mondays and Fridays to coordinate plant care needs.
• Propagating, planting, and caring for greenhouse and growth chamber plants grown under greenhouse and field conditions.
• Overseeing part-time student employees or helpers.
• Assisting with plant production activities, including weeding, irrigating, fertilizing, pest management, and general plant care.
• Monitoring environmental conditions, fertilizing, planting, cultivating, and maintaining plants.
• Propagating plants, including transgenic plants, through seeding, cuttings, grafting, pruning, staking, soil preparation, transplanting, and thinning.
• Monitoring for pests and applying appropriate treatments.
• Harvesting, cleaning, treating, and storing seeds.
• Labeling plants and maintaining records in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Maintaining greenhouse tools and equipment.
• Cleaning greenhouse and growth facilities.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts
• Training and development
• Employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED