Part-Time Greenhouse Technician at Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research

Ithaca, New York, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

25 Aug, 26

Salary

20.0

Posted On

27 May, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Plant Care, Watering, Fertilization, Pest Management, Disease Observation, Soil Mixing, Autoclave Operation, Facility Sanitation, Microsoft Office, Technical Reporting, Communication, Collaboration

Industry

Research Services

Description

Description Join Our Team as a Weekend Greenhouse Technician Looking for a peaceful weekend job working around plants? BTI is seeking a dependable part-time Greenhouse Technician to help water and care for research plants on weekends. Great for students, retirees, plant lovers, or anyone seeking supplemental income and flexible weekend work. This position offers a unique opportunity to support cutting-edge plant science research while working in our state-of-the-art facilities. Schedule: This is a weekend position (Saturday and Sunday), with additional hours available during the training period and opportunities to pick up shifts on institute closure days and as operational needs arise. We're looking for someone who thrives in a hands-on environment, takes pride in maintaining exceptional growing conditions, and excels at communication and collaboration. You'll work closely with our greenhouse team to share observations, coordinate plant care activities, and ensure researchers' needs are met—making strong communication skills essential to success in this role. To apply, please submit both a resume and a cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience. Essential Job Functions · Daily watering of greenhouses and growth chambers, performs fertilization checks, observations of plant health, pests and disease. · Communicates with greenhouse staff to promote for daily feedback on plant health, plant care, and disposal. · Daily monitors greenhouse, growth chamber environments, software systems, pests, and facility sanitation. · Prepare and mix growing media and soil blends to support diverse research requirement. · Operate and autoclave equipment to ensure proper sterilization of materials and tools on occasion. · Provide greenhouse sanitation, including pot and flat washing, sanitization, and recycling protocols. · Maintain facility cleanliness through regular waste removal and organization of greenhouse work areas. · Provide ongoing care and maintenance for atrium plantings and display areas. Requirements Education and Certification High school diploma or equivalent, or relevant work experience at an equivalent level. Background or coursework in biology or horticulture preferred. Experience and Knowledge 2 years of relevant experience in biology or horticulture preferred. Continual trainings to remain current and compliant are necessary, worker protection standards, and EH&S trainings. Supervisory Responsibilities No supervisor responsibilities. Communication Skills Ability to write standardized reports and correspondence, write and report meeting minutes, to communicate through e-mail and an ability to complete regulatory reporting requirements are necessary. An ability to speak one-on-one or in small groups, to present information to groups of employees is also important. An ability to give and receive constructive feedback is crucial Computer Skills Ability with all Microsoft Office programs is required. Travel Travel is generally not required. Physical Demands and Working Conditions Regular physical exertion is required, such as climbing, crouching, crawling, and lifting, up to 50 pounds. Regular use of chemicals, heavy machinery or other equipment/materials that require use of personnel protective equipment and routine precautions. Must be available to work 365 days a year, including holidays and weekends.

Responsibilities

The technician is responsible for the daily watering, fertilization, and health monitoring of research plants in greenhouses and growth chambers. They also maintain facility cleanliness, prepare growing media, and ensure proper sterilization of tools.