General Information

Position Title: Greenhouse Curator
Control Number: 002215
Reports To: 000141
Position Title Department Name
Director of Animal Programs and Laboratory Support Science Tech Support Services
Department Name: Science Tech Support Services
Location: Science Tech Support Services
Date Prepared: Mar-04
Exempt: No

Primary Purpose

Oversees operation of the greenhouse and associated botanical support areas, developing and maintaining various research and teaching plant collections.

Responsibilities

Works cooperatively with others and accepts direction from supervisors.

*Manages the Bicentennial Hall greenhouses and growth rooms, overseeing operations, maintenance, and scheduling of the facilities in support of the academic program.

*Determines the required diversity of growing environments and ensures that they are appropriately provided, monitoring and controlling such factors as light and humidity levels, and temperatures.

*Establishes, develops, and cares for a large and diverse teaching collection of botanical organisms, currently encompassing over 30 families, including tropical, arid, and aquatic plants and cultures. Builds the collections through purchases and donations

*Propagates plants and related cultures, maintaining all necessary records.

*Prepares specimens, collections, and cultures for use in class and in independent studies.

*Supervises operation of the research greenhouse, advising and assisting faculty in the care of experimental organisms as needed.

*Attends to the health of plants through appropriate cultural methods and techniques, disease management practices, and fungal control.

*Identifies pests and treats infestations, using both integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, such as pest scouting and the introduction or breeding of beneficial insects, and through the selection and application of appropriate pesticides.

*Hires, trains and supervises student greenhouse assistants, preparing work schedules and assignments.

*Ensures that stocks of required supplies and equipment are maintained at all times, preparing fertilizers, reagents, and other solutions as necessary.

*Meets regularly with Director of Animal Programs and Laboratory Support to discuss botanical care issues, make recommendations for improvements, and work on implementing enhancements to operations.

*Manages the greenhouse budget and recommends future budget allocations.

*Arranges greenhouse tours, open houses, and other public-relations activities.

Assists in the care of mammals, microorganisms, and cell cultures, and in coverage of the Bicentennial Hall stockroom, as necessary in support of other STSS staff.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Training

Bachelor's degree in Botany or Biology, or equivalent in training and experience. Training in pesticide handling techniques in accordance with EPA and state standards (may be taken after employment).

Experience

2 years of horticultural or greenhouse experience required.

Knowledge

Must have specific knowledge of IPM principles and practices.

Other

Must be able to exercise appropriate, independent judgement. Must be able to interact and work well with faculty, other staff and students.