Plant Technician

Job Description The University of Washington Biology Greenhouse has an outstanding opportunity for a Plant Technician 3 to join their team.

About this Opportunity Reporting to the Manager of Program Operations, the Plant Technician 3 is responsible for working hands-on with a wide diversity of plants used for teaching, research, outreach, and display. This position is a key member of the greenhouse team, working independently, exercising specialized horticultural judgment, coordinating plant production according to instructional and research schedules, and training, leading, or directing the work of staff, students, interns, and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities Plant Cultivation and Collection Care - 40%
Supervise and perform the care and maintenance of crops and other plants for developmental, research, instructional, outreach, and display purposes within the UW Biology Greenhouse and designated Department of Biology interiors cape and exterior planting areas.

Perform and oversee all aspects of plant culture, including researching plant requirements, watering, fertilizing, weeding, seed collection, sowing, potting, repotting, pruning, propagating, breeding, grooming, and plant-health monitoring.

Independently assess plant condition and adjust cultivation practices based on plant health, developmental stage, environmental conditions, and seasonal needs.

Maintain the quality, accessibility, appearance, and long-term health of teaching, research, outreach, and display collections.

Perform greenhouse sanitation and operational duties, including cleaning work and growing areas, washing pots and equipment, disposing of compost and waste, preparing soil and fertilizers, and safely moving plant materials and greenhouse supplies.

Teaching and Research Support - 2 5%
Teaching and research activities require plants to be available at specific developmental stages at varying times of the year. Using course syllabi, instructional schedules, and specified researcher goals, establish and adjust cultivation priorities to provide requested plant materials on the dates needed throughout the year.

Communicate with instructors, researchers, and greenhouse staff regarding plant availability, production timelines, cultivation requirements, and potential risks to teaching or research activities.

Collect, prepare, label, and distribute plant materials for instructional and research use.

Provide horticultural information and consultation to faculty, staff, students, and researchers.

Troubleshoot cultivation problems that could affect instructional or research activities and implement appropriate corrective measures.

Plant Health, Nutrition, and Environmental Systems - 15%
Implement and oversee general and specialized plant nutrition and fertilization programs.

Monitor and operate irrigation and fertigation systems, including ongoing testing, inspection, cleaning, and care of sensors, filters, and related equipment.

Conduct pest and disease scouting and participate in integrated pest management activities, including beneficial insect releases when appropriate.

Apply pesticides and other treatments in accordance with applicable laws, product labels, safety requirements, and University procedures.

Monitor greenhouse temperature, humidity, lighting, irrigation, equipment, and other environmental conditions affecting plant health.

Maintain accurate records of plant nutrition, pesticide applications, pest-management activities, environmental conditions, and plant treatments.

Work Direction, Coverage, and Safety Training - 10%
Train, lead, direct, and review the plant-care work of staff, student employees, interns, and volunteers.

Train workers in watering, sanitation, plant handling, propagation, pest scouting, equipment use, safety procedures, and other greenhouse practices.

Participate in and assist with safety training for greenhouse users and workers, including safe plant handling, equipment use, pesticide/IPM procedures as assigned, and greenhouse operational protocols.

Communicate daily and seasonal work priorities in coordination with the Greenhouse Manager and other greenhouse staff.

Help coordinate plant-care coverage for weekends, holidays, staff absences, public programs, emergencies, and urgent operational needs.

Outreach, Records, and Operational Support - 10 %
Guide laboratory demonstrations for students, lead visiting groups through the greenhouse, answer horticultural inquiries from the public, and assist with greenhouse public days and other Department of…