Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Oversees the design and maintenance of seasonal and indoor displays. Manages the production of approved plant material lists. Manages the operation, maintenance and repair of the greenhouse facility and equipment. Supervises and trains staff and volunteers in all aspects of propagation, plant care and maintenance.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Floriculture, related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required; a valid Utah State Pesticide Applicator License; specific knowledge of entomology, pathology, propagation soils and fertility. Demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills also required.

Four years experience in greenhouse plant production with one year experience supervising and one year experience in designing with annuals preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Assists with review of long range plans in order to set priorities in the growth of various plants needed to landscape.
2. Manages the plant production program and assures the appropriate plant material is ready as scheduled and with minimal excess.
3. Develops propagation lists for seasonal and indoor displays from approved designs and plant-out dates.
4. Manages the greenhouse environment to provide optimum growing conditions, a sterile pest environment and implementation of integrated pest management policies.
5. Oversees the installation and maintenance of the seasonal and indoor displays.
6. Notifies personnel when pesticide fogging is underway to alert the proper officials to possible safety hazard and to ensure proper containment of building.
7. Works with appropriate Campus Utilities Services personnel for adjustments needed in particular areas to ensure seasonal and emergency maintenance.
8. Determines and purchases supplies and materials needed including pesticides and soil mix materials.
9. Reviews scientific journals, horticulture magazines and other subject matter to keep up-to-date on horticulture research dealing with fertilizers, pesticides, seeds and new cultural methods.
10. Supervises staff and volunteers who assist in various greenhouse plant maintenance projects.

Problem Solving

Problems encountered in this position may include the identification and treatment of plant diseases, identifying and targeting propagation of seasonals and annuals for campus beautification; identification of watering cycles for interior and exterior plants; and problems associated with the heating and cooling of the greenhouse.