Hydroponic Research Operations Administrator

The Hydroponic Research Operations Administrator will be responsible for the operational planning and daily management of hydroponic production and research facilities directed by the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. This position is expected to work closely with the Student Farm Manager and HLA Plant Growth Facility Team to successfully implement and maintain hydroponic research and to grow a variety of high-quality produce sold to help support programs at the Student Farm. In this role, you will support the delivery of controlled environment agriculture experiential learning and outreach programs on campus and at the farm, collect and analyze data to design and modify systems to improve productivity and teaching collaborations with faculty and specialists and supporting their research and courses on campus and at the farm. The position is expected to engage in public relations activities and actively plan and participate in extension and outreach efforts.

This position will be supervised by the Director of the Student Farm and will also report to the HLA Plant Growth Facility Manager.  This is an essential position that will require reporting to campus during inclement weather or other scenarios that suspend normal university operations.

• Mastering plant propagation, improving nutrient solutions, and optimizing climate control
• Collaborating with leadership to implement an effective integrated pest management program
• Developing an understanding of the Freight Farm growing container environmental control software
• Responding to emergencies and after-hours alarm responses on evenings and alternate weekends while working under general supervision and guidance.
• With guidance, develop, update, and improve standard operating procedures for the shipping containers. Work with EHS to identify and eliminate all safety issues. Maintain all records digitally for quick reference. Attend weekly activity planning and monitoring meetings with the Student Farm Director and HLA Plant Growth Facility Manager.
• Support experiential learning in hydroponic farming by hosting college classes, K-12 groups, and other interested parties
• Support faculty and specialists conducting research in shipping containers and other CEA facilities
• Meet with researchers to discuss needs and manage the space, time, and equipment needed to complete their research projects successfully
• Research, propose, and implement approved strong biological security protocols to help exclude pests from facilities
• Scout plants weekly, diagnose insect and disease problems, and implement appropriate applications of cultural, biological, and chemical controls
• Effectively coordinate pest control efforts with the HLA Plant Growth Facility Team and researchers
• Identify and propose skills development opportunities that will improve the capacity of students and increase the productivity of the shipping containers.
• Maintain equipment, tools, and growing systems. Keep shipping containers and other facilities in a neat and organized manner
• Implement good agricultural practices and analyze and identify critical control points where food safety may be compromised
• Design, propose, and implement systems that minimize food safety risks and the possibility of a foodborne illness outbreaks
• Keep records for annual FSMA certification

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field
• 2 years of demonstrated experience in hydroponic crop production and controlled environment agriculture
• Competency in related agriculture science disciplines and administration
• Knowledge of pest management, farm planning, equipment maintenance, etc.
• Capacity to diagnose insect and disease problems and implement control measures
• Demonstrated strengths in small-group personnel/student training and mentoring
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Must be a proficient user of Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to operate hydroponic equipment
• Ability to collect and manage data, prepare reports, and maintain standard operating procedures
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems using prior experience and analysis of issues and making moderate to significant improvements in processes
• Ability to work independently under limited supervision
• Willingness to flex work hours for occasional weekend assignments
• Must be able to obtain an Indiana pesticide applicator license within 30 days
• Valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license

• Master's degree
• Experience in designing and maintaining food safety systems

• Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary, https://bit.ly/3sHGbls
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A Background Check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University’s expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.

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