Student: Plant Growth Facilities Technician

The Plant Growth Facilities at Augsburg University provide critical support to the Biology Department mission of education and research in the life sciences. A living collection of over 500  plant species is maintained in the rooftop greenhouse, and climate-controlled plant growth rooms are used extensively for research projects across the School of Natural Sciences. The care and cultivation of our permanent plant collection and maintenance of our plant research spaces is vital work that occurs on a near-daily basis.

The Biology Department is hiring a student worker for the position of Plant Growth Facilities Technician. The Plant Growth Facilities Technician will work closely with Curator Dr. Leon van Eck to maintain the health and wellbeing of the living plant collection, and to ensure the growth spaces are functioning optimally to support teaching and research.

Tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Daily watering of plants in the greenhouse and growth rooms

• Weekly application of fertilizer

• Hosting Augsburg community during Greenhouse First Friday every month during the semester

• Seed germination, potting, pruning, and pest control as directed

• General cleaning and maintenance of Plant Growth Facilities, including greenhouse, headhouse, and growth rooms

• Quarterly algae suppression treatment of greenhouse floor

• Weekly emptying of sediment traps in headhouse

• Planting of feeder plants for aphid colony and maintaining general aphid growth chamber hygiene

• Frequent communication with Curator Dr. Van Eck and Biology Lab Manager Chris Palahniuk to maintain continuity of care

Work-study eligible students welcome.

Compensation and Benefits

• Rate of Pay: $16.45/hour

• Minnesota Sick and Safe Time

• Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave

• Not eligible for health insurance benefits