Department: Biology - 250100
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate's Degree in Horticulture or a related field.
- Two years of experience in horticulture and greenhouse work. This can comprise internships, short-term positions, or volunteer work.
- Experience in Leadership. Ability to motivate
and supervise employees and student and community volunteers,
assist with managing resources, and making operational
decisions.
- Knowledge of plant nutrition, fertilization, and pest management.
- Willingness to acquire pesticide applicator license.
- Be aware of basic greenhouse safety practices.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
License/Certification Required
N/A
Preferred Qualifications
Additional skills and competencies:
- Understanding the fundamentals of plant physiology and plant pathology.
- Ability to identify, diagnose, and treat plant diseases.
- Experience or willingness to develop skills in sharing horticultural knowledge with the public.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities | The Biology Greenhouse Assistant Manager plays a crucial role in a greenhouse operation, as they are responsible for assisting the manager/director in ensuring the health and quality of plants in our various collections. The Assistant Manager ensures proper nutrition, water, and pest management of our collection, which has risen from 120 taxa in 2009 to over 1400 today.
Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the following:
1. Assist the manager in overseeing daily operations of the greenhouse, including planting, watering, and pest management. Be responsible for contacting the Physical Plant when emergencies occur.
2. Assist with maintaining collections in three separate facilities, including the off-campus Biology Greenhouse. Ensure that greenhouse environments are properly maintained for optimal growth of plants. This involves activities such as pot washing, keeping the headhouse clean and organized, and sweeping greenhouse floors.
3. Monitor and control the temperature, humidity, and light levels in the greenhouse. Be available to assist making emergency visits to the greenhouse on call outside of normal working hours.
4. Assist with maintaining inventory of supplies and equipment and ordering new items when directed.
5. Must be available for watering on weekends.
6. Computer literacy is required.
7. Train and supervise student and community volunteers on proper greenhouse maintenance, plant management, and safety protocols.
8. Regularly inspect conservatory and teaching/research collections to ensure that they are growing properly and take corrective action when necessary.
9. Monitor equipment, take corrective action, and inform the manager immediately when issues arise.
10. Assist with developing and implementing pest management strategies.
11. Keep abreast of current developments in technology and practices for greenhouse operations.
Work Schedule/Hours:40 hours/week – will be a flexible schedule coordinated with the Greenhouse manager. Must be available for watering on weekends and the ability to serve on call, outside of normal business hours, to respond to emergency situations at the greenhouse.
Suggested Salary Range: $40,000 to $46,350
Closing Date: 11/20/2026
Open Until Filled: No
Evaluation of Applications Begins: 11/16/2026
Proposed Date of Hire: 12/01/2026
To apply, visit https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/56799
Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.
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