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The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is seeking to immediately fill a part-time Greenhouse Assistant position.

The DDPSC Plant Growth Facility is a dynamic, state-of-the art research facility with over 60,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space and more than 90 environmental growth chambers. Plant Growth Facility staff are responsible for supporting the research activities of internal laboratories and external clients. The working environment promotes knowledge of research horticulture, greenhouse operations and maintenance.

We are seeking a candidate who can work up to 28 hours per week. Flexible work hours (between 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM) are available.

Responsibilities:

• The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting horticultural support and facility upkeep activities, under general supervision. Greenhouse Assistants carry out a variety of tasks as assigned by horticultural staff and/or Greenhouse Manager.
• Specific responsibilities include sanitation of greenhouses and/or chambers and equipment; stocking supplies; maintaining orderly potting rooms and work areas; assisting horticulturists with tasks as needed such as seed harvesting and cleaning, staking and tying; removing leaf and other debris from growth areas, etc.
• Assist researchers with general greenhouse requests such as locating and delivering supplies, soil, carts, etc.
• With training, able to effectively use simple computer-based task management and timekeeping applications.
• Ability to perform the following activities:
  • Working in hot, humid environments with temperatures as high as 95 degrees F.
  • Adjusting to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
  • Lifting heavy soil/waste bags and greenhouse supplies (weighing up to 40 lbs.)
  • Power-washing floors; reaching and/or bending under greenhouse benches and chamber shelves.
  • Frequent twisting to maneuver hoses and other items.
  • Repetitive operation of pruners, water nozzles, and other tools. Fine hand movement to replace light bulbs, assemble irrigation and plant support systems, etc.
  • Assisting in the facilities biological waste program, which includes maneuvering large hoppers and bags, filled with plant material.
  • Working safely with hand tools, such as pruners, loppers, handsaws, hedge trimmers, crowbars; as well as universal and biological waste.
  • Safely and appropriately working around and handling regulated plant material and research crops in general.
  • Prolonged bending/kneeling/squatting to clean drains, attend to irrigation, prune plants, etc.
  • Working on feet for prolonged periods; daily, extended walking within a very large growth facility.
  • With training, safely and effectively use a pallet jack (manual and electrical).
• Other duties as assigned

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Must demonstrate an adaptable, attentive and thorough work ethic
• Possess strong communication skills
• Display a positive, service-oriented attitude; and work well within an interdisciplinary group of greenhouse, maintenance, and research staff
• Must be self-motivated and able to manage multiple competing priorities in an efficient, productive manner
• Is able and willing to identify and address facility upkeep needs without prompting
• Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship
  

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Previous work experience demonstrating strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and successful performance in a fast-paced, physically challenging work environment.
• Previous experience in horticulture/greenhouse/agriculture is not required, but may be beneficial.

For full consideration, please submit the following with your application:

1) cover letter, 2) detailed resume, and 3) contact information for two or more references.

About the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center:

Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent, nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Our focus is scientific research at the nexus of food, energy, and the environment to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We assemble interactive teams of scientists and develop unique platforms to discover underlying principles about how plants work. We then convert that knowledge into useful crops and products, and partner with organizations that are best positioned to solve problems where they exist around the world. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and from charitable contributions from individuals, companies, and foundations.

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is proudly an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Danforth Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is our policy that the Danforth Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin and status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this web site, please contact Human Resources, at 314-587-1033 for further assistance.