IFAS Small Fruit Horticulture Lab

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

12h•$14 - $15

About The Position

The Small Fruit Horticulture Lab at the University of Florida is recruiting an OPS Field/Greenhouse Technician for a minimum 20 hours weekly, part to assist with Field and greenhouse work involving routine horticultural activities such as planting, harvest, training/trellising, mulching, scouting, spraying, pruning, weeding, watering, and fertilizing. The following list a non-inclusive list of activities: Field and greenhouse work involving routine horticultural activities such as planting, harvest, training/trellising, mulching, scouting, spraying, pruning, weeding, watering, and fertilizing. Record-keeping for pesticide use and fertilizer applications. Documenting and reporting operational problems to the Biological Scientist. Transportation of plants, materials, and undergraduate harvest workers. Cleaning and maintaining tools, equipment, facilities, and lab instruments. Sample and data collection of experiments. Monitoring and maintaining fertigation equipment. Assisting graduate students with experiment activities. Data entry using Microsoft Office Excel and Word Maintaining proper storage and record-keeping of laboratory, field, and greenhouse supplies. The Small Fruit Horticulture Lab is a creative space where students develop research and science communication skills while pursuing rigorous scientific research. Our research explores how abiotic stimuli, and cultural practices impact horticultural crop quality, productivity, and resilience. We pursue research questions at the interface of horticulture and plant physiology focusing on berry crops grown in modern horticultural production systems. (https://nunez-lab.com/)

Requirements

Valid driver´s license.
Available to work 20+ hours a week, usually 7:00 am – 4:00pm. The position could increase to full time during harvest season (March 15 th to May 15 th ).
Physical ability to work in various weather conditions and perform manual labor as needed.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds regularly, up to 50 pounds occasionally
Physical movement to include kneeling, squatting, bending, lifting and standing.
Must possess pesticide application license or be interested in obtaining it within 90 days of start date.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor´s degree in Horticulture or related field.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
Familiarity with data collection.
Previous experience in field research or horticulture.

Responsibilities

Field and greenhouse work involving routine horticultural activities such as planting, harvest, training/trellising, mulching, scouting, spraying, pruning, weeding, watering, and fertilizing.
Record-keeping for pesticide use and fertilizer applications.
Documenting and reporting operational problems to the Biological Scientist.
Transportation of plants, materials, and undergraduate harvest workers.
Cleaning and maintaining tools, equipment, facilities, and lab instruments.
Sample and data collection of experiments.
Monitoring and maintaining fertigation equipment.
Assisting graduate students with experiment activities.
Data entry using Microsoft Office Excel and Word
Maintaining proper storage and record-keeping of laboratory, field, and greenhouse supplies.