Turfgrass Research Technician (Laboratory Technician 1)

UConn Careers • Storrs, CT

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, within the University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus, seeks qualified applicants for the full-time position of Plant Science Research and Education Facility Turfgrass Research Technician (Laboratory Technician 1). Supervised by the Plant Science Research and Education Facility Manager and the Department Head, this position provides technical assistance to faculty and researchers in establishing and maintaining turfgrass for research, teaching, and outreach. Duties also include maintenance and repair of equipment associated with field and greenhouse projects as well as pesticide applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science, plant science, or a related field with at least one year of relevant experience; OR Associate’s degree with three or more years of experience; OR five or more years of experience in a related field.
• Knowledge and experience in growing and maintaining high-quality turfgrass areas such as sports fields, golf courses, or residential and commercial properties, or field research plots.
• Experience in Integrated Pest Management for control of turfgrass pests.
• Experience identifying turfgrass species and diagnose common weed, insect, and disease problems.
• Demonstrated experience with calibration, application, maintenance, and repair of sprayers and broadcast spreaders, and with computers and electronic record keeping.
• Current Connecticut Governmental Commercial Junior Operator Certification pesticide license or ability to acquire Certification within one month of hire.
• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively.
• Flexibility and willingness to work irregular schedules, including evenings and weekends.
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Problem-solving ability and adaptability in dynamic work environments.
• Demonstrated interest in promoting the UConn Turfgrass Science Program and commitment to ongoing professional development through continuing education.

Nice To Haves

• Experience operating and repairing high-volume in-ground irrigation systems.
• Experience using instruments such as TDR probes or visual symptoms to scout turf for moisture stress or disease, weed, and insect incidence.
• Experience with specialized turfgrass equipment operation and maintenance including reel-mowers and reel grinding equipment.
• Supervisory or leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and renovate turfgrass areas for research, teaching, and outreach activities.
• Prioritize cultural management of turfgrass research plots in consultation with researchers and farm manager. This includes mowing, irrigating, fertilizing, cultivating, and pest scouting.
• Prepare and apply pesticides as needed to manage weeds, insects, and diseases of turfgrasses in research fields and greenhouses.
• Identify turfgrass species and diagnose common weed, insect, and disease problems.
• Operate equipment, instrumentation, and related components including computer software and systems.
• Assist in maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing gas powered equipment.
• Calibrate field equipment to ensure accurate application of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of high-volume, in-ground irrigation system, and satellite controllers.
• Collect, compile, and distribute climate, soil conditions, and other data to researchers to inform experimental activity and turfgrass health management decisions.
• Assist with field laboratory procedures as needed, including establishing research trials, applying treatments, soil sampling, plant tissue harvest, and collecting quantitative and qualitative data to support faculty research.
• Maintain appropriate digital records and files related to the maintenance of research plot and pesticide applications.
• Conduct basic maintenance and repair skills for small-engines, specialized turfgrass, and landscape equipment including the precision adjustment and grinding of reel-mowers for fine-cut turfgrass.
• Assist faculty and researchers with teaching and outreach initiatives by preparing plant specimens, developing and presenting turfgrass instructional content for undergraduate and professional audiences, and providing logistical support for planning and delivering outreach events such as the UConn Turfgrass Field Day, the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference, and other programs.
• Provide supervision of hourly labor, students, and other support positions associated with the Turfgrass Science Program.
• Other related duties.

Benefits

• The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.
• For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/ .
• Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees