About the Job
Percent Time: 100% (Full-time)
Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday, 7:00am – 3:30pm, On-campus
Term: 12-month appointment, continuing
Location: MAES Plant Growth Facility on the University of Minnesota, Saint Paul campus
Work Environment: In-person
Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
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Position Overview
The Plant Growth Facilities Greenhouse Operator is responsible for the daily operation of research and teaching greenhouses and outdoor nursery facilities at the University of Minnesota Saint Paul Campus Plant Growth Facilities. The position is integral to the successful operation of a greenhouse facility managed by a small team. The greenhouse operator is responsible for pesticide applications, greenhouse operations (potting media preparation, plant composting, watering, fertilization, irrigation system management, supply ordering and inventory, research project support, equipment operation, greenhouse alarm response), and coordinating daily activities of student and temporary/casual laborers.
The position works directly with researchers, staff, and students to maintain safe and functional research environments. This is a hands-on position with work performed under general supervision; progress and outcomes are frequently reviewed with the position’s supervisor. This position involves substantial manual labor including moving soil, plants, supplies, carts, wagons, equipment and other materials to support operations.
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Key Responsibilities
1. Pesticide Application (25%)
• Apply pesticides in greenhouse and nursery settings
• Maintain non-commercial pesticide applicator license
• Mix, load, apply, store, and dispose of pesticides according to label requirements and safety procedures
• Maintain accurate pesticide application records
• Communicate spray schedules, restricted-entry intervals, and safety requirements to greenhouse users
• Use required PPE and follow all pesticide safety protocols
• Maintain pesticide application equipment and report equipment issues
2. Facilities Operations (50%)
• Move soil wagons, carts, benches, plants, supplies, pallets, and equipment
• Set up systems (including irrigation, benches, and lighting) for greenhouse and nursery areas
• Maintain orderly potting areas, storage spaces, headhouses, aisles, and work areas
• Maintain greenhouse hygiene through frequent sanitation of greenhouse environments and containers
• Assist with receiving, unloading, organizing, and storing materials.
• Help ensure that the facility remains clean, safe, and functional
• Coordinate the daily activities of temporary/casual and student workers with duties as assigned by the position's supervisor
3. Greenhouse Systems Operation (25%)
• Monitor greenhouse equipment and report malfunctions
• Make changes to environmental controls based on research needs
• Report and respond to greenhouse alarms
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
• BS in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or a related field, OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• Pesticide application experience
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently
• Ability to obtain a MN Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Able to operate machinery related to greenhouse operations and compost disposal
• Proficiency in Microsoft or Google Workspace Applications
Preferred Qualifications
• Knowledge of greenhouse infrastructure and operations
• Experience with greenhouse environmental control systems
• Experience in research/supporting research programs or laboratories
• Experience with integrated pest management and regulatory compliance
About the Department
The MAES Plant Growth Facility is located on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus and is used by student and faculty researchers in the course of their research activity.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $25.00-$27.40; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type : Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program