Part-Time Greenhouse Technician

Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research • Ithaca, NY

2d • $18 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

Join Our Team as a Weekend Greenhouse Technician
Looking for a peaceful weekend job working around plants? BTI is seeking a dependable part-time Greenhouse Technician to help water and care for research plants on weekends. Great for students, retirees, plant lovers, or anyone seeking supplemental income and flexible weekend work. This position offers a unique opportunity to support cutting-edge plant science research while working in our state-of-the-art facilities.

Schedule: This is a weekend position (Saturday and Sunday), with additional hours available during the training period and opportunities to pick up shifts on institute closure days and as operational needs arise.
We're looking for someone who thrives in a hands-on environment, takes pride in maintaining exceptional growing conditions, and excels at communication and collaboration. You'll work closely with our greenhouse team to share observations, coordinate plant care activities, and ensure researchers' needs are met—making strong communication skills essential to success in this role.
To apply, please submit both a resume and a cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, or relevant work experience at an equivalent level.
• Background or coursework in biology or horticulture preferred.
• 2 years of relevant experience in biology or horticulture preferred.
• Continual trainings to remain current and compliant are necessary, worker protection standards, and EH&S trainings.
• Ability to write standardized reports and correspondence, write and report meeting minutes, to communicate through e-mail and an ability to complete regulatory reporting requirements are necessary.
• An ability to speak one-on-one or in small groups, to present information to groups of employees is also important.
• An ability to give and receive constructive feedback is crucial
• Ability with all Microsoft Office programs is required.

Responsibilities

• Daily watering of greenhouses and growth chambers, performs fertilization checks, observations of plant health, pests and disease.
• Communicates with greenhouse staff to promote for daily feedback on plant health, plant care, and disposal.
• Daily monitors greenhouse, growth chamber environments, software systems, pests, and facility sanitation.
• Prepare and mix growing media and soil blends to support diverse research requirement.
• Operate and autoclave equipment to ensure proper sterilization of materials and tools on occasion.
• Provide greenhouse sanitation, including pot and flat washing, sanitization, and recycling protocols.
• Maintain facility cleanliness through regular waste removal and organization of greenhouse work areas.
• Provide ongoing care and maintenance for atrium plantings and display areas.

What This Job Offers

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