THE
UNIVERSITY OF
Position Description
Position is
limited to 6/30/09 with extension contingent on funding
TITLE: Research Associate II
DIVISION: Academic Affairs (CELS: Plant Sciences & Entomology))
REPORTS TO: Faculty Greenhouse Coordinator and/or PLS Department Chair,
AES Director, Dean of CELS
GRADE: 9
SUPERVISES: Research Assistants, students and/or others assigned to assist with research, outreach, teaching projects
BASIC FUNCTION:
Provide support to research, outreach and educational
programs in environmental horticulture that utilize the greenhouses. Oversee
the operations of, maintenance of, and upgrades to the greenhouses. Perform related
independent research work.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist faculty with research projects, including collecting and analyzing data as required.
Coordinate maintenance of research and outreach plant materials with appropriate principal investigators or outreach professionals.
Supervise greenhouse staff and student employees in the production and culture of plants growing in the greenhouses.
Support PLS courses that utilize the greenhouses, in coordination with the course instructors and PLS Chairperson.
Maintain computer control systems and records of plant production, irrigation, and pesticide usage.
Provide information, training and limited on-site consulting services to nursery and greenhouse businesses on matters of ornamental plant production and container-plant culture.
Coordinate with and assist faculty, staff, students and organizations permitted to use the greenhouses.
Respond to environmental alarms in a timely manner, or coordinate others to respond, and take steps to address alarm events to protect plants growing in the greenhouses.
Manage the greenhouse operations budget.
OTHER DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordinate with the University’s Facilities Services’ staff in the maintenance of greenhouse heat, HVAC, irrigation and electrical systems.
Apply insecticides, herbicides, and biological control agents as required in order to maintain optimal plant health and integrity of the greenhouse environment.
Procure greenhouse components and/or supplies.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.
LICENSES, TOOLS AND
EQUIPMENT:
Personal computers, work stations, printers, software and integrated state-of-the-art greenhouse computer-controlled heating, ventilation, and irrigation systems; RI Pesticide Applicator Certification (research & development applicator); valid driver’s license; landscape equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONDITIONS:
This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required: M.S. in
plant sciences, botany, horticulture or closely-related field; minimum of two
years of hands-on experience in ornamental and/or greenhouse container-plant
production or closely-related field;
ability to support PI’s with grant proposal writing and research; knowledge of
state-of-the-art greenhouse computer systems, and heating, ventilation and
irrigation systems; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both
verbally and in writing, and to organize, coordinate and supervise support staff
and students; strong interpersonal skills. Must have or be willing to obtain RI
Pesticide Applicator Certification (research and development applicator). Preferred:
Scientific writing experience.
TO
APPLY:
Submit (no emails
or faxes, please) a resume and cover letter postmarked by 07-18-08 to:
Salary
Range: $42,577-$52,806
Brian K. Maynard, Search Chair
Requisition # 12210
University of Rhode Island
PO Box G
Kingston, RI 02881
An Affirmative
Action/Equal
ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.