Greenhouse Superintendent

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

• Experience propagating and cultivating a diverse range of plant species, including those used specifically for academic research and teaching collections.
• Experience detecting signs of pests, diseases, and environmental stress on a diverse range of plant species, and implementing appropriate treatments.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collegially with diverse groups of community members, students, staff, and faculty.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in calculating and applying fertilizers and soil amendments.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting greenhouse and growth chamber control systems.
• Experience acting as the curator of a living collection in an academic or research setting, providing accurate taxonomical information to community members, students, staff, and faculty.

Education

• An Associate’s degree in biology, botany, horticulture, or plant sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in commercial greenhouses or university research settings is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, horticulture, or plant science is preferred.

Department Statement

The Biology Department at Colgate University offers majors in Biology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Biology, and Natural Sciences with a concentration in Marine and Freshwater Science. All faculty engage undergraduates in active research programs, spanning the fields of molecular biology, cellular biology, physiology, microbiology, ecology, evolution, and genomics. There are currently four faculty members engaged in plant-based research and teaching. This position plays a key role in supporting botanical teaching and research, and also supporting student organizations and university outreach programs. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with faculty and students across plant-based teaching and research in the fields of ecology, evolution, genetics, and physiology. It also provides an opportunity to work closely with student organizations (e.g., the Colgate Flora Society, and the Colgate Community Garden).

Accountabilities

Plant care

• Ensure proper care and maintenance of plants housed in all University greenhouses and growth chambers, including propagation and cultivation.
• Develop individualized care protocol for a diverse range of plant species.
• Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests, diseases, and environmental stress, ensuring timely intervention using appropriate treatments and best integrated pest management practices. Develop and maintain a plant health index and take effective action to remedy poor growing/health conditions.
• Regularly monitor and apply fertilizers and soil amendments that promote optimal health and growth for plants housed in all University greenhouses and growth chambers.

Facility use and maintenance

• Understand how to operate and ensure proper greenhouse and growth chamber environmental specifications (e.g., photoperiods, light intensity, temperature regimes, humidity) as provided by faculty.
• Coordinate maintenance and repairs for greenhouse infrastructure with the Facilities Department including but not limited to irrigation, fogging, lighting, HVAC.

Support teaching, research, and outreach activities

• Develop and maintain a current electronic inventory of plants housed in all University greenhouses and growth chambers.
• Provide professional advice on the selection of plants used for classroom and laboratory instruction, and oversee their acquisition and maintenance.
• Prepare plant materials for classroom and laboratory instruction, and provide technical support for biology and botany lab sections at the direction of faculty members.
• Develop a grade-appropriate curriculum for outreach activities in partnership with staff and faculty.
• Where appropriate, advise student organizations such as the Colgate Flora Society, and the Colgate Community Garden.
• Support and maintain material related to a diverse array of research projects associated with the greenhouse and departmental plant growth chamber facilities.

Other duties

• Effectively train and supervise undergraduate student workers.
• Maintain an inventory of supplies and equipment, manage the greenhouse budget, and supervise procurement processes.
• Enhance the greenhouse’s presence on the internet and social media.
• Adhere to Colgate University’s laboratory safety policies, procedures, and practices to ensure a safe learning environment for community members, students, staff, and faculty.
• Assist departmental technicians, staff, and faculty members to ensure the smooth operation of all departmental teaching and research activities.