Student: Plant Growth Facilities Technician

Augsburg University is committed to helping our student explore their vocation. As a University with a calling, we welcome the unique gifts that each of our employees brings to our collective work, and we are committed to supporting our students as they seek to match those gifts with the needs of the University and our larger community.

Student employment with Augsburg is more than a job - it is an opportunity for Augsburg students to gain meaningful work experience in a supportive setting that promotes professional growth, personal accountability, teamwork and collaboration and quality work that lives up to our mission of educating students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.

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

Work-study eligible students welcome.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

Be a current Biology, Biochemistry, or Environmental and Sustainability Science Major; Be work-study eligible; Have completed at least two semesters of Biology coursework; Have an interest in botany, horticulture, plant conservation, or a related field; Be able to climb ladders, lift light loads, and maneuver in tight spaces; Be available to work weekends; Have excellent communication and observation skills; adhere to lab safety practices and undergo provided lab safety training

Benefits

Rate of Pay: $16.45/hour; Minnesota Sick and Safe Time; Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave; Not eligible for health insurance benefits