Greenhouse Specialist

University of Wisconsin Madison
$17.00 HOURLY
paid time off
United States, Wisconsin, Rhinelander
Mar 26, 2025
Job Summary: This multi-functional agricultural laborer position housed within the Department of Plant Pathology UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) provides support to the UW-Madison Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP). The WSPCP, established in 1913, produces, inspects, and certifies Wisconsin seed potatoes with the goal of providing potato farmers with healthy seed potato planting stock. This position is focused on providing support to the program's greenhouse nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic and potted production systems. The incumbent will be integral in maintaining and sanitizing greenhouses throughout and between growing cycles, planting potato plantlets, harvesting minitubers, and preparing spring seed orders. In addition, the incumbent will assist on an as need basis with other program projects such as diagnostic testing and field inspections. Responsibilities: Supports the operational activities of a farm, field operation, or agricultural facility, maintains plant production, and maintenance to ensure operational efficiencies. 45% Plants, cultivates, and harvests vegetables, fruits, nuts, horticultural specialties, and field crops 20% Cleans, grades, sorts, packs, and loads harvested products and seed 5% Maintains and evaluates hardscapes 10% May operate farm equipment 5% May participate in irrigation activities 10% Participates in program research projects to improve seed quality. 5% Assists with WSPCP's diagnostic sample processing or field inspections as needed. Institutional Statement on Diversity: Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion Education: Preferred Bachelor's Degree or work experience in a field related to the responsibilities of this position such as plant pathology, bacteriology, agronomy/plant science, horticulture, plant breeding. Qualifications: Required: - General greenhouse experience including daily monitoring, routine sanitation between growing cycles, along with care and harvesting of plant material - General knowledge and understanding of seed potato production such as planting potatoes plantlets, harvesting minitubers, and preparing spring seed orders Preferred: - Greenhouse hydroponic production experience utilizing nutrient film techniques (NFT) and potted production systems. License/Certification: Required Drivers License - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards Preferred Pesticide Applicator - State Licensure Have a Pesticide Applicators State Licensure or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire. Work Schedule: Full-time position with the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification program (WSPCP). This position is located in Rhinelander, WI at the UW Starks Potato Farm with occasional travel to the program's certification office in Antigo, WI. Typical hours are 7:00am - 3:00pm, Monday through Friday but hours may become flexible in certain situations. Occasional early mornings, nights, and weekends may be required for this position during peak seed producing seasons. Work Type: Full Time: 100% It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Appointment Type, Duration: Ongoing/Renewable Salary: Minimum $17.00 HOURLY Depending on Qualifications The anticipated salary range for this position is $17.00 - $20.50/hour. However, final salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf Additional Information: - A Probationary Period may be required - Work Authorization: The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States by the start of the appointment. - Required to travel as needed for this position. - Required to work occasional nights/weekends and be on-call. How to Apply: Click on the "Apply Online" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents/Application Materials: Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background Cover letter (required) - Refer to your related work experience References (required) - List contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice. It's important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Contact: Megan Sullivan megan.sullivan@wisc.edu 608-265-5882 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information. Official Title: Agricultural Laborer(FP137) Department(s): A07-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/PLANT PATHOLOGY Employment Class: University Staff-Ongoing Job Number: 312755-CP The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/ Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.