Posting Number

Internal Recruitment

Working Title

Anticipated Hiring Range

Work Schedule

Job Location

Department

About the Department

Essential Job Duties

• Develop and optimize greenhouse practices to support the production of sweetpotato plants for North Carolina Sweetpotato Certified Seed Growers.
• Source, distribute, and coordinate all living plant material with stakeholders and institutions.
• Oversee peak production from November to March, with plant deliveries scheduled for mid-January.

• Apply your knowledge of both field and greenhouse crop production to maintain optimal growing conditions.
• Use your expertise in greenhouse technology and controlled environment systems to ensure plant health and address any greenhouse issues.
• Diagnose and communicate greenhouse-related concerns with facilities maintenance staff.

• Implement a comprehensive IPM approach to maintain plant health and meet zero-tolerance inspection standards.
• Train greenhouse workers on pest control protocols and ensure that all plants pass inspection while adhering to regulatory standards.
• Stay prepared for regular visits from inspection agents who monitor plant production and pest/disease control.

• Collaborate with tissue culture specialists to establish mother plants in the greenhouse, ensuring accuracy in labeling and propagation.
• Ensure all mother plants are set up by the August 1st deadline, coordinating efforts for seasonal plant production.

• Establish and maintain healthy plants by conducting tasks such as planting, maintaining, and forecasting plant development for growers.
• Improve and implement Greenhouse Best Management Practices (BMPs) to streamline operations.
• Maintain accurate records of all plant accessions, ensure proper labeling and quality control, and oversee the production of approximately 90,000 plants annually during peak season.

• Perform general greenhouse maintenance, including cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, preparing potting soil, and monitoring pest populations.
• Restock supplies, schedule daily activities for greenhouse workers, and operate specialized equipment.
• Coordinate inspections with the NC Crop Improvement Association and ensure greenhouse operations meet required standards.

• Record and report on greenhouse management, plant health, and production using laboratory notebooks and digital databases.
• Write summary reports to document program outcomes and greenhouse performance.

• Assist in developing project proposals, work plans, and manuscripts for greenhouse-related research.
• Prepare materials for Trueness-to-type field trials, and oversee planting, harvesting, and data collection from May to November.

Other Responsibilities

Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires post-baccalaureate degree, or a relevant Bachelor’s degree plus three (3) or more years of independent reserach experience.
• Documented experience in greenhouse management for multiple labs or projects.

Other Required Qualifications

• Ability to work independently, travel, supervise hourly workers, and collaborate with staff, faculty and students
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Knowledge of plant production and maintenance.
• Knowledge of Greenhouse Best Management Practices.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and maintenance.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management.
• Knowledge of greenhouse technology and controlled environment systems.
• Knowledge of plant identification.
• Ability to plan and follow planned activities independently.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Entomology, Horticultural Science, Plant Pathology, Field Biology, Plant Science,
  Ecology, Biology or a related field.
• Five years of relevant work experience with greenhouse management, plant production and propagation, insect/pest control, crop production under controlled environments and cultural management of crops of interest.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• A valid drivers license is required for travel. Valid Driver’s License and ability to obtain an NC drivers license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained throughout employment.
• It is expected for the incumbent to have a valid NCDA pesticide license or to obtain one within 90 days of the start date.

Valid NC Driver's License required

Commercial Driver's License required

Job Open Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

Position Number

Position Type

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

Appointment

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Department ID

AA/EEO