The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station - Lead Greenhouse Grower (UAW - S10 Greenhouse Grower)

The Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES) is dedicated to sustainable "science for life," in its two core, separate but related, functions -- the operation of world-class research facilities throughout the state and the generation and application of research-based knowledge through the administration of federal formula grants. The Cornell AES greenhouse operations on and around the Cornell Campus are, with 127,000 square feet, the largest non-commercial greenhouse facility in the state. The 146 compartments are primarily used as teaching and research facilities, housing 300 to 400 research projects at any given time. Plant services for all these projects are provided by the dedicated greenhouse staff, which are responsible for the set-up, daily care and maintenance.

What You Will Do

Under general supervision, the Lead Greenhouse Grower will assist the Tower Road Greenhouse Supervisor with the daily operations of the Tower Road Greenhouse Complex. Develop and implement a management strategy for the maintenance of the extensive plant collections in the L.H. Bailey Conservatory. Collaboratively develop methods for growing and propagating unusual plants from around the world. Working with Faculty greenhouse users, develop, implement, and maintain an inventory system for the Conservatory collections. Recruit, coordinate and train students through Conservatory Internships. Provide tours to visiting scholars, Cornell classes, and school groups of all ages.

Serve as a resource for information and techniques regarding higher-level plant care by providing advice, consultation, and training to greenhouse users and staff members. Provide optimum plant care in assigned areas, including irrigation, fertilization, Integrated Pest Management, propagation, pruning and training. As required, apply pesticides or biological controls, and maintain proper application records. Monitor facility mechanical and environmental control equipment and report problems.

When requested by the supervisor, make presentations to staff on areas of expertise. Develop and maintain databases for plant collections. Maintain and enhance a web page as part of the Conservatory outreach program. Responsible for highly sensitive and unique research plant material, this position requires close attention to detail and the best horticultural judgment, while operating within the parameters of project protocols.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership and guidance for Growers, Temp staff, and student workers.
• Assist the Supervisor in day-to-day management of operations and facility.
• Act as a backup for the Supervisor during absences.
• Train staff and clients in plant culture and hygiene techniques.
• Assist with scheduling weekend and holiday coverage and alert Supervisor if gaps remain.
• Train new staff, graduate students, and research staff on user responsibilities, safety protocols, and communication strategies/practices to ensure research success.
• Advise SO7 growers on pesticide selection and other pest management strategies.
• Lead and organize team activities (greenhouse shading, weed control, soil mixing, etc.).
• Provide technical support of researchers and communicate policies and procedures.
• Provide superior care for diverse and high value plant material, using the best horticultural technique in all aspects of plant culture. Provide advanced plant care: propagate, vegetatively and by seed; transplant; stake; train; disbud; pinch; prune and harvest.

What We Need from You

• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Associate degree in horticulture or closely related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of greenhouse work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possess and maintain a valid NYS driver license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Must be able to obtain OSHA forklift operator's certification within 1 year.
• Obtain and maintain required training for aerial lift to apply shading on greenhouses where shade curtains are not already installed within 1 year.
• Valid NYS Pesticide Technician Certification license, category 1A or 3A and be able to obtain second cagetory within 12 months of start date. Upgrade to a Certified Pesticide Applicator in at least one category is expected within the first 12 months of employment.
• Working knowledge of botany and experience with a broad range of plant material essential.
• Must be highly self-motivated and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills of a good teacher. Must be flexible/adaptable, service minded and respectful.
• Ability and willingness to work in high temperature and high humidity greenhouse environments required.
• Physically able to regularly work from a ladder to hang lamps, black-out curtains, etc.; climb under various types of equipment; shovel dense materials; regularly lift over 50 pounds; work in high temperature conditions and with a wide range of plant material.
• Able to work with shop hand tools, portable drills and saws to construct benches, greenhouse equipment and related projects.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, e-mail, and web browsers to create plant care notes and reports; maintain inventory and pest management records; communicate on a daily basis with coworkers and clients; research plant cultural and pest control information.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively in a team as well as independently.
• Exhibit good organizational skills and close attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for coordination with clients and staff.
• Have reliable transportation and be willing to respond for emergency duty.
• Requires periodic weekend and holiday hours, and occasional extended hours.
• Scheduled weekend coverage of greenhouse emergencies (Argus alarms with additional watering during staffing shortages).
• Proven competence in scouting for and identifying greenhouse pests/diseases, pesticide selection and resistance management in an IPM program.
• Proven competence with biocontrol concepts and organisms.
• Willing and able to regularly work with and apply pesticides, including use of personal protective equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree in greenhouse management, horticulture, or plant sciences with 2-3 years of greenhouse work experience in research and teaching facilities.
• Bachelor's Degree in the Plant Sciences or related field and conservatory greenhouse experience preferred.
• Experience maintaining plant collections and horticultural databases.
• NYS Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification, category 1A or 3A and 7G.
• Experience in the care of a wide range of tropical and perennial plants.
• Expertise with computerized greenhouse and growth chamber environmental controls.

Essential Working Conditions (after considering reasonable accommodations)

Physical (lift/carry/push/pull): Typically lifts 20 to 50 lbs

Visual: Close concentration/manual dexterity

Hazards: Highly toxic chemicals

Your Total Rewards

Compensation for this position is $27.25 per hour per UAW contract Hire Rate

Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 paid holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year's Day), educational benefits, and superior retirement contributions.

!

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply:

You must submit both a Resume and Cover letter.

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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.