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Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Research Specialist
Job Summary:
The Research Greenhouses, part of the CALS Agricultural Research Stations, are seeking a highly motivated Research Greenhouse Support Specialist to join the greenhouse operations team. The crops grown and the experiments taking place at the greenhouses are diverse and ever-changing, and research outcomes continue to have deep and meaningful impacts in our world.
This position will assist with greenhouse operations and configuration, plant pest and disease management, plant care, supply stocking and ordering, maintenance and repairs, recordkeeping, and cleaning tasks. In addition, they will provide support to researchers, students, and the public in various capacities. Some examples of this support will include plant care guidance, greenhouse orientation training, and outreach efforts both within the UW and with external audiences.
This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to the plant sciences while being involved with a wide variety of interesting crops, experiments, and researchers, as well as the continually evolving technology involved with protected crop culture and research.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
- Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
- Performs literature reviews and writes reports
- Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
- Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
Participates in greenhouse pest and disease management activities, including but not limited to scouting and identification, control efforts (including pesticide application), recordkeeping, and exploration of novel pest and disease control methods.
- Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
Department:
Research Greenhouses, CALS Agricultural Research Stations
Compensation:
The anticipated minimum salary for this position is $50,000 annually. 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
Required Qualifications:
General knowledge of plant taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, and culture.
Effective communication and customer interaction skills.
Ability to follow established protocols and procedures consistently.
Experience performing tasks requiring careful attention detail, a high level of accuracy, thoroughness.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel or similar software; i.e., ability to enter information into existing documents.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with specific plant cultural practices across a wide range of crops in greenhouse and growth chamber environments.
Experience accurately identifying plant pests and diseases and making effective recommendations for pest and disease control in a research context.
Experience using and maintaining pest control equipment such as a protective suit, sprayers and foggers.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in plant science or a relevant field preferred but not required.
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 (optional) - Refer to your related work experience
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.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.
Contact Information:
Andrew Vaudt, HR Generalist (andrew.vaudt@wisc.edu)
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.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, 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 by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
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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).
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