Support Technician Horticulture
Position Title: Support Technician
Posting Number: 201000443
Posting Type: Temporary
Contract End Date: 03/15/2020
Hiring Range: $19.09 to $28.64 per hour
Job Description Summary
Under the general supervision of the Department Head, this position will work with department staff, faculty and students, providing facility and production support to the Horticulture Unit. Supervising an administrative assistant, 2 student managers, 20+ student assistant and managing the EHS dorm. Responsible for the oversight and care of all ornamental horticultural crops and operation of growing structures, including environmental controls and equipment. Provides instructional support services for labs and support for student and faculty activities at the Unit. Performs comprehensive support services for a discipline which makes extensive use of materials and supplies including those which are living or unique and scientific equipment both in upper and lower division laboratories or instructional centers. This is a one-year assignment through March 15, 2020.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School degree or equivalent
- Five (5) years of work experience in plant production, including production systems, and environmental controllers, irrigation, and the operation of a variety of job related equipment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of greenhouse/nursery propagation techniques
- Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and meet time lines
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
- Ability to use a computer and computer software
- Ability to provide effective training on safe operation and use of a variety of equipment
- Work under adverse conditions, including outdoor work in all weather
- Ability to read, interpret and work from plans, drawings, and technical manuals
- As requested by the supervisor, must be willing and able to respond to emergency situations that may arise in the evenings, weekends or holidays
- Ability to apply pesticides and possess a Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) or Qualified Applicators License (QAL) for pesticide applicators (or ability to acquire within 6 months)
- A background check is required for all regular benefited positions
The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Associates or Bachelors’ degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in the field of agriculture (horticulture, agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, soil science, or similar field)
Physical Demands:
- Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone
- Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard and calculator
- Seeing to read a variety of materials
- Sitting or standing for extended period of time
- Physical agility to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height
- Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects
- Work under adverse conditions, including outdoor work in all weather
Typical Essential Functions:
- Use increased depth of knowledge of the discipline, greater understanding of laboratory techniques and methods, suitability of materials for related instructional needs, and ability to operate and perform routine maintenance of technical equipment.
- Provides for obtaining materials, supplies and equipment by ordering, making direct purchase, or writing specifications. Seeks sources of hard-to-find and unique materials
- develops systems and plans and participates in dispensing, storage and disposal of materials and supplies
- Assists faculty and administration in planning new services or in solving problems. Assist faculty develop new instructional activities by acting as a resource in materials or equipment utilization.
- Assist faculty and students in independent use of equipment.
- Acts as a liaison with equipment technicians to describe equipment needs.
- Identify and resolve problems that arise, such as broken water lines, broken fences, or machinery that does not operate correctly.
- Perform and provide support for the preparation of ornamental crops.
- Provide direction and supervision to student assistant crew(s)
- Operation of equipment.
- Lift and move items such as, bags of seed, fertilizer, feed supplements and farm equipment generally weighing 50 pounds or more
- Provides for access and support for instructional, research, and production activities.
- Respond to emergency situations that may arise in the evenings, weekends or as requested by the supervisor
- Work with the other departments and Agricultural Operations under the direction of the Farm Manager or Department Head as necessary
- Oversees routine servicing of vehicles and equipment.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Cal Poly Corporation provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and holidays. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.
AA/EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer