(Class Code: 0803AR) (PTAA)

University of Rhode Island
Position Description

POSITION IS PART-TIME (28 HRS/WK) AND IS LIMITED TO 06/19/2010 WITH EXTENSION CONTINGENT ON FUNDING.

TITLE: Research Assistant III (URI Botanical Gardens)

DIVISION: Academic Affairs (CELS/Plant Sciences)

REPORTS TO: Greenhouse Manager, Faculty Greenhouse Coordinator and/or PLS Department Chair, AES Director, CELS Dean

GRADE: 5

SUPERVISES: Undergraduate student and/or others assigned to assist with research, outreach and teaching projects.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide scientific support to research, outreach and educational programs in the URI Botanical Gardens and Horridge Conservatory.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain plant collections in the URI Botanical Gardens and Horridge Conservatory for purposes of teaching, outreach and research.

Implement plant trials in support of URI Botanical Garden goals and objectives.

Identify accession and verify plant taxa in URI Botanical Gardens, Christopher Arboretum and Horridge Conservatory in support of plant accessioning and labeling projects.

Handle and maintain computer and environmental control systems, laser and rotary engraving systems, pH and conductivity equipment, and oversee Horticultural Sciences Laboratory at the URI greenhouses.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support ongoing plant evaluation trials at the URI East Farm Ornamental Horticulture facility.

Assist in analysis of plant and soil samples in cooperation with URI Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Clinic.

Operate and maintain landscape equipment under the direction of the greenhouse manager or faculty supervisor.

Respond to environmental alarms in a timely manner, or coordinate others to responds to alarms, and take steps to address alarm events to protect plants growing in the greenhouses.

Perform additional duties as required.

LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Personal computers, workstations, printers, software, video equipment for experiments and for outreach presentations and integrated state-of-the-art greenhouse computer-controlled heating, ventilation and irrigation systems. Valid driver’s license and experience with the operation of landscape equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position is frequently exposed to greenhouse and landscape heat, cold, humidity, precipitation, dust, dirt, oil, paints, etc. Position requires occasional work on ladders and/or scaffolding, operation of heavy equipment and engraving tools.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required: B.S. in Plant Sciences, Botany or Horticulture or closely related field; three or more years of hands-on experience in ornamental and/or greenhouse production or closely related field; knowledge of state-of-the-art greenhouse computers and basic laboratory equipment; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and to organize, coordinate and supervise students; strong interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse groups.

TO APPLY:

Submit (no emails or faxes, please) a resume and cover letter postmarked by 06-12-09 to:

Brian K. Maynard, Search Chair
Requisition # 12461
University of Rhode Island
PO Box G
Kingston, RI 02881

Salary Range: $30,376 - $38,513 (salary to be prorated)

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. The University of Rhode Island if an E-Verify employer.