Plant Research Growth Facility Manager

Job Description Summary

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
This position is responsible for managing the daily functions of the University of Maryland Plant Research Growth Facility, housed in the Research Greenhouse Complex and Plant Sciences buildings. The Manager shall be responsible for the maintenance of the research plant material grown in the facility. This position is in the category of an Essential Employee.

Job duties:
• Manage all greenhouse and growth chamber-related operations: Plant care and space management (60%)
o Assign and allocate greenhouse bench space, growth chamber space, use of exterior screen houses, cold frame areas, and facility storage areas.
o Implement and conduct plant management practices involving water, fertilizer, and pest control.
o Set and monitor environmental controls; troubleshoot and replace or repair Priva equipment
o Responsible for Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Compliance and Training of all greenhouse users
o Monitor and confirm functionality of all environmental controls.
o Work with PSLA Facilities Manager to resolve all maintenance needs.
o Monitor space usage and assign monthly bench charges.
o Manage and enforce proper greenhouse cleanliness and organization of common areas.
• Personnel management: Supervise and train greenhouse employees. Plant and prioritize their daily tasks and duties and communicate user needs for specialized plant care. Monitor and measure employee performance and resolve problems as needed. All administrative duties for timesheet approvals for greenhouse personnel. (20%)
• Material and supply management: Purchase and maintain inventory of plant care supplies including fertilizer and pesticides. Contact vendors to solicit donations of greenhouse supplies. Maintain pesticide materials and records to meet all state and federal requirements. All administrative duties for purchasing greenhouse supplies and materials. (10%)
• Perform other duties as necessary in support of Department goals and objectives, and objectives of Plant Research Growth Facility, to include but not limited to: (10%)
o Lead tour groups for both internal and external stakeholders
o Guest lecturer for classes held at the Research Greenhouse Complex

Preferred: Master of Science in Plant Science or related field; Experience with automated greenhouse controls (Priva, Wadsworth, or similar systems); experience with Integrated Pest Management Methods. Experience in the production and support of plant-based research preferred. Ability to effectively manage priorities and create strong working relations with other campus Departments; Exceptional numerical, organizational, and communication skills; Pest scouting skills and experience. Ability to run the fork lift or obtain required training within 6 months.

Licenses: Maryland Pesticide Applicator License required or obtained within a six month period of initial hiring date

Schedule: Must be available for irregular schedule; Must be available to work/ on call for weekends; Must be available to work Holidays, catastrophic weather conditions, etc.

Physical Demands: Some lifting, working in wet or humid weather conditions, requires hazardous material safety, working environment may have allergens (i.e. dust, grasses, etc.) must wear and work in personal protection clothing.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Applications: All candidates must apply online. Please submit an application letter, resume/CV, copy of transcripts and the names and contact information for three professional references.

Additional Information:
This position may be subject to a Criminal History Record Check and the University of Maryland Background Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of both the Criminal History Record Check and the University of Maryland Background Check, as applicable.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed. Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded, or employment terminated.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: Three (3) years of greenhouse production experience. One (1) year of experience leading or supervising professional staff. Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. Knowledge of greenhouse production. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws. Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service and sensitivity to a culturally and ethnically diverse community.

Additional Job Details

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$75,273 - $90,327

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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