APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

　　CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/EfiwgKReZ4VAjprFZPKWUm0Bq_sU3KzTmERfpryq0esPKQ) . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

　　CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/Eeys15Xva4hFokHVtbP1eGIB5i1WFLc-J3k9KHgrFYZ7mg) Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

　　If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application_Process_for_External_Applications_Non-Penn_State_Employees_.pdf) .

　　JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

　　The College of Agricultural Sciences (https://agsci.psu.edu/) Greenhouse Operations seeks a full time Greenhouse Assistant to support teaching and research activities in the greenhouses and associated headhouse facilities under the direction of the Greenhouse Manager. Job responsibilities include:

　　Working with the greenhouse manager to maintain greenhouse and growth chamber environments for plant growth.

　　Programming climate control computers, monitoring greenhouse and growth chamber mechanical system function, identifying problems and coordinating repairs with the Office of the Physical Plant.

　　Coordinating greenhouse laboratory exercises with course instructors and producing crops required for laboratory exercises.

　　Providing oversight and care for student grown crops.

　　Assisting with greenhouse teaching exercises by providing laboratory materials, working with students to construct and maintain hydroponics plant growth systems and experimental apparatus, providing oversight for student preparation of plant nutrient solutions, providing horticultural advice and demonstrating proper horticultural techniques to students, maintaining teaching hydroponics and aquaponics plant growth systems.

　　Coordinating with researchers to provide appropriate greenhouse and growth chamber environments for experimentation.

　　Supervising use of greenhouse and growth chamber space by researchers and maintaining space leasing records.

　　Working with researchers to design and construct experimental plant growth systems.

　　Providing horticultural supplies to researchers and instructors, maintaining supply inventories and accounting records.

　　Coordinating use of plant tissue drying oven facilities, root washing facilities, sample processing facilities, balances, pH/EC meters and other analytical equipment with researchers, students and instructors.

　　Carrying out greenhouse integrated pest management activities.

　　Working with instructors and researchers to implement appropriate plant pest management practices.

　　Scouting crops for pest organisms, deploying biological pest control agents, selecting and applying appropriate pesticides safely in accordance with University, State and Federal regulations.

　　Maintaining pesticide application records and compliance with the EPA Worker Protection Standard.

　　Coordinating use of plant tissue grinding, soil grinding and workshop facilities.

　　Providing University mandated tool use and safety training to facility users and maintaining training records.

　　Supervising use of grinding and workshop facilities by students and researchers.

　　Providing assistance and advice to students and researchers constructing experimental apparatus or processing plant or soil samples.

　　Maintaining plant and soil grinding equipment, tools and particulate vacuum ventilation system.

　　Supervising wage employees.

　　Coordinating hiring and activities of wage employees and scheduling work periods.

　　Providing training and instruction to wage employees and monitoring progress and completion of work tasks. Approving time worked.

　　Education and Experience:

　　Typical minimum requirements for this position include an Associate's degree or higher (in the plant sciences or related fields preferred) with a minimum of two years related experience. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working in an academic research and teaching setting. A working knowledge of greenhouse horticultural techniques, plant physiology and nutrition, hydroponic plant production, greenhouse integrated pest management and biological pest control is required for this position. The candidate should have experience managing greenhouse mechanical and control systems and preference will be given to candidates with experience operating Wadsworth climate control systems. Horticultural skills, a mechanical inclination and organizational skills are required for this position. Excellent communication skills with the ability to speak with confidence and congeniality and the ability to work as part of a team in a diverse environment are required for this position.

　　The candidate should be capable of lifting 50 lbs. without assistance and competent to climb ladders and carry out physically demanding tasks in hot and humid working environments for sustained periods. The candidate should have experience operating a Bobcat front end loader and should be competent to drive and maneuver a loaded trailer on the University campus in tight spaces. Flexible work hours may be required, and candidates must be willing to share on-call duties with the greenhouse manager. On rare occasions, responding to greenhouse emergencies outside of normal work hours may be necessary. The candidate must acquire a PA Pesticide Applicators license within 3 months of hire and possess a valid PA driver’s license.

　　The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in   all of   its forms.   We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.  

　　CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

　　Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here (https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports) .

　　Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

　　EEO IS THE LAW

　　Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

　　Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster (https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/files/2022/01/Federal-Contractors-Labor-Law-Poster.pdf)

　　PA State Labor Law Poster

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