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.
Top 10 Benefits Cornell Employees Love!
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
How to Apply:
You must submit both a Resume and Cover letter.
When applying through our system, please attach your application materials (resume and cover letter). You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. If you are an internal employee, please log in to Workday.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.
Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information.
University Job Title:
Greenhouse Grower Hd S10
Job Family:
United Auto Workers
Level:
S10
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
Refer to Union Pay Rates Link Below
Remote Option Availability:
Fully Onsite
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Denise Smith
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Prior relevant work or industry experience
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.
Union Positions
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
Current Employees:
If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.
Online Submission Guidelines:
Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.
Employment Assistance:
For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.
Notice to Applicants:
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
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.
2024-02-23