Research Greenhouse Support Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

12d•$50,000

About The Position

The Research Greenhouses, part of the CALS Agricultural Research Stations, are seeking a highly motivated Research Greenhouse Support Specialist to join the greenhouse operations team. The crops grown and the experiments taking place at the greenhouses are diverse and ever-changing, and research outcomes continue to have deep and meaningful impacts in our world. This position will assist with greenhouse operations and configuration, plant pest and disease management, plant care, supply stocking and ordering, maintenance and repairs, recordkeeping, and cleaning tasks. In addition, they will provide support to researchers, students, and the public in various capacities. Some examples of this support will include plant care guidance, greenhouse orientation training, and outreach efforts both within the UW and with external audiences. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to the plant sciences while being involved with a wide variety of interesting crops, experiments, and researchers, as well as the continually evolving technology involved with protected crop culture and research.

Requirements

General knowledge of plant taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, and culture.
Effective communication and customer interaction skills.
Ability to follow established protocols and procedures consistently.
Experience performing tasks requiring careful attention detail, a high level of accuracy, thoroughness.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel or similar software; i.e., ability to enter information into existing documents.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with specific plant cultural practices across a wide range of crops in greenhouse and growth chamber environments.
Experience accurately identifying plant pests and diseases and making effective recommendations for pest and disease control in a research context.
Experience using and maintaining pest control equipment such as a protective suit, sprayers and foggers.

Responsibilities

Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
Performs literature reviews and writes reports
Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
Participates in greenhouse pest and disease management activities, including but not limited to scouting and identification, control efforts (including pesticide application), recordkeeping, and exploration of novel pest and disease control methods.
Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area.
Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders