Temporary Instructional Support Technician - Plant Conservatory

• Unit 9 - CSUEU
  - Technical Support Services 1

Job Search Category/Discipline

Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac)

• On-site (work in-person at business location) 1

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Biological Sciences Department Chair and with lead work direction provided by the Director of the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory, this position provides technical support for faculty, and students in the teaching and research activities associated with the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory (CPPC) and the Biological Sciences Department. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining the CPPC plant collection, and all the horticultural activities required therein.

Support includes moving plants from the CPPC or other places on campus to where they will be used in classrooms and teaching labs. This position exercises significant independence and autonomy in providing comprehensive technical assistance, which includes the preparation and maintenance of supplies, setting up laboratory materials and equipment for student and faculty use, as well as assisting faculty in the development and demonstration of experiments and techniques, and supporting departmental facilities.

This position is responsible for monitoring and making suggestions/modifications to ensure the safety and security of department laboratories, and partnering with faculty to develop, refine, and implement activities that incorporate the latest scientific knowledge into the classroom.

This is a full-time temporary one-year position and is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, vision and CalPERS retirement.

Department Summary

The Biological Sciences Department is the largest academic unit within the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics and is one of the largest departments at Cal Poly. There are approximately 900 undergraduate students and 50 graduate students. The department's mission is three-fold: I) offer majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, Marine Science, or Microbiology;
2) offer courses to satisfy the biology requirements for other majors; and
3) offer courses to meet general education and breadth requirements for Cal Poly's entire student population. The department offers approximately 125 different courses to over 10,000 students annually, with the majority of courses having a laboratory component. For additional information about the Biological Sciences Department, please visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of biological science principles and their application in an instructional laboratory setting, including plant biology, propagation methods (cutting, grafting, seed starting), plant nutrition, and pest and disease identification.
• Knowledge of horticultural practices for developing and maintaining a diverse living plant collection, including acquisition, cultivation, and evaluation of specimen suitability for instructional use.
• Knowledge of greenhouse systems and environmental controls, with the ability to operate greenhouse equipment and perform routine preventive maintenance and repairs.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management and plant pest control methods, including the safe handling, application, and storage of pest control products.
• Ability to identify, locate, and collect plant specimens from campus and surrounding hillside locations.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate laboratory and departmental policies and procedures to faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to serve as a technical resource to faculty and students on the selection and use of plant materials and greenhouse equipment, including troubleshooting unsuccessful experiments and recommending alternative materials or approaches.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to three years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or repairing equipment in a discipline related to the area to which assigned.
• Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
• Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area to which assigned may be substituted for two years of the required…