Greenhouse Support Technician

We are seeking a Greenhouse Support Technician for the Alexandria Center for AgTech in our Research Triangle Region.  The Greenhouse Support Technician will contribute to a high performing greenhouse team by assisting in a wide range of agricultural technology tasks from laboratory operations to facility management. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to a high performing greenhouse team by assisting in a wide range of agricultural technology tasks from laboratory operations to facility management.
• Plan and execute assignments under the direction of the Greenhouse Manager to deliver timely reports and properly operating facilities.
• Maintain systems and processes to support plant production, computer-based climate control systems, greenhouse support equipment and key machinery. 
• Daily monitoring of greenhouse compartments via computer control system as well as visual, mechanical check, including but not limited to running weekly reports, troubleshooting parameters, checking the alarm status, and be on a rotational call system 24/7 for all greenhouse facilities.
• Work with Building Engineers to provide services needed/requested, including but not limited to assisting in formulating short and long-range goals, help in space set up and planned activities, assist in training staff on new policies/protocol or on new equipment, understanding emergency procedures, conduct monthly safety walkthroughs and identify areas for safety or process improvement, general cleaning and organizing, and assist in waste management.
• Assist in tenant activities by becoming a resource for pest control, specifically helping scout and identify insect pests and ensuring the safe application of pesticides. Furthermore, work with tenants to communicate shared challenges and help improve the research environment for all users.
• Assist Greenhouse manager in setting up and maintaining equipment:
  • Argus and Priva Climate control systems; software & hardware.
  • RO water systems, irrigation lines, humidification pumps, soil moisture sensors, spray booths, headhouse storage, forklifts, and steam dumpsters.
  • Help streamline tenant operations & monitor shared spaces & equipment.  
  • Coordinate biological & hazardous waste removal with contractors.
• Assist in writing and maintaining documents to keep the greenhouse operating properly, including drafting protocols and work instruction, organizing chemical inventories and posting pesticide application notifications.
• Monitor procurement needs and stay abreast of inventory in greenhouse and laboratories.
• Interact and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, third party vendors, tenants of the ARE research greenhouses, and building engineers.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Associate degree (Bachelor’s degree preferred), with knowledge of greenhouse and/or laboratory operations.
• Prior experience with maintaining scientific spaces, equipment and supporting research customers is preferred.
• Understanding use of fertilizers and additives, pest insect identification. Having a NC pesticide license is a plus. 
• Must be willing to work in wide range of environments both exterior conditions and interior settings, including temperature extremes of winter & summer.
• Must be able to work well in a team, be flexible, and have a keen interest in agricultural biotechnology.
• Possess effective oral and written communication skills.
• Able to work hands-on, unsupervised, and independently.
• Must have the ability to prioritize workload, solve problems and coordinate tasks.
• Proficiency  in Microsoft office programs. Willingness to learn greenhouse controls systems such as Argus and Priva; prior experience is a plus.
• Able to lift 50 pound bags of soil, and able to drive a forklift.
• Must be able to wear PPE including respirator.