PHYTOTRON ASSISTANT HORTICULTURIST, BIOLOGY DEPT.

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Occupational Summary

Participate in the horticultural activities at the Biology Department Phytotron, a controlled environment facility, including all aspects of plant care, provide technical knowledge and assistance to researchers, and assist the Phytotron technical staff in growth chamber operation and maintenance.

Work Performed

Weekend and first shift position in the Duke Biology Dept. Phytotron (2 days), weekdays and first shift in Greenhouse (3 days)

Direct daily tasks/responsibilities:

• Plant care; including watering, nutrition and pest control.  Keep experiment status records. Inventory and order supplies. 30%
• Apply pesticides and oversee pesticide application program. Use biocontrol pest control techniques if possible and feasible. 25%
• Oversee soil sterilization and transgenic plant disposal. Keep pertinent records of waste disposal. Work in compliance with EPA, FDA, USDA, APHIS, State of NC and Duke University regulations and guidelines. 10%
• Keep all equipment in working order. Perform general cleaning tasks including pot washing, sweeping/scrubbing floors and growth chambers.10%
• Provide direct supervision and organizational supervision of student and part-time employees including delegating daily tasks. This includes over seeing time card preparation and certifying time worked. 15%
• Understand and communicate Phytotron policies effectively to all concerned.  Attend regular staff meetings.
• Work with researchers in setting up experiments including obtaining appropriate supplies and resources.  Assist researchers in carrying out research protocols.10%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have an understanding of basic plant needs. A strong understanding of plant medium types, nutrient solutions, and their proper application is desirable.
• Must have knowledge of pests, pesticides, and biological control of plant pests.
• Must have a basic understanding of environmental control systems to coordinate with Phytotron staff when interfacing plant needs with facility environmental settings.
• Must be able to establish working relationships with faculty, graduate students, undergraduates and staff to ensure effective communication among all parties.
• Must have skill in using tools and equipment associated with horticultural activity (e.g., hand or power tools, cleaning appliances and pesticide sprayers).
• Must have ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; prepare concise and accurate reports.
• Must be able to participate in public outreach activities. This includes giving tours to school groups and internal Duke University programs.
• Should have basic familiarity with research experimental design.
• Must have a working knowledge of computers and applications such as Microsoft Office Suite programs, specifically Word and Excel.
• Must be willing to head committee meetings that are relevant to this position.

Minimum Qualifications for Employment

• Completion of undergraduate core program in horticulture as required by technical school, college or university.
• Must obtain and maintain a current NC Commercial Plant Pesticide Applicator's License
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to lift and carry 25 to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualification

• Bachelors of Science Degree in botany/horticulture or related plant science. Masters preferred.
• One year experience that demonstrates knowledge such as plant pathology, entomology, and greenhouse operation and management.

Continuing education and professional development are essential to enable the incumbent to stay abreast of current trends and technology in the field.  The Phytotron Assistant Horticulturist will work under the supervision of the Phytotron Manager.

Work requires knowledge of botany or horticulture normally acquired through a two year Associate degree program in horticulture or two years post secondary education in botany or a related field. Must be able to obtain North Carolina Pesticide License

Work requires one year of experience in horticulture or related area to acquire technical skills necessary to perform such duties as plant cultivation, plant propagation, plant selection and other duties consistent with greenhouse maintenance. Public Garden experience preferred. A valid driver's license is required.  OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.