Greenhouse Superintendent

Work Arrangement type On-Site (Hamilton, NY) – expected to work fully at the designated campus/office location.

Hiring Wage/Salary Range

Hiring Wage/Salary Range $26.85-$30.35/hour

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Certifications:

Current NYS Pesticide Applicator / Technician certification, or willingness to obtain this certification within the first year of employment is required.

• Ability to stoop, bend, stand for long periods of time in greenhouse environments with high heat and humidity.
• Ability to lift a maximum of 30 pounds.
• Responsible for following all procedures to conduct work activities in a safe manner including but not limited to wearing PPE required for specific duties and safe handling of chemicals as outlined by University policies and/or the supervisor. Responsible for immediately reporting any unsafe conditions to the supervisor and/or Environmental Health and Safety.

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page
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• 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.

• 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.

• 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…