Phytotron Horticulturist

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Occupational Summary 

The Phytotron Horticulturist will coordinate and participate in horticultural activities at the Duke University Phytotron. Horticultural activities include all aspects of plant care, pest management, providing horticultural knowledge and assistance to researchers and staff, supervising student workers, monitoring growth chamber conditions, cleaning growth chambers, recordkeeping, and procurement of necessary horticultural supplies. The Phytotron Horticulturist will work under the supervision of the Plant Growth Facility Manager.   The work schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday.

Work Performed 

Principal Responsibilities (80%) 

• Coordinate and participate in the horticultural activities at the Phytotron, which involves all aspects of plant care for the many species being cultivated in the growth chambers and glasshouse chambers. Keeping research plants alive and in good condition is the most important responsibility of all Phytotron employees. Negligent behavior that exposes research to unnecessary risks will result in corrective action. Negligent behavior that results in damage or loss of research will be considered grounds for termination.
• Direct and oversee a pest control protocol targeting insects, mites, fungi, bacteria, viruses, etc. Use appropriate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures with the goal of limiting chemical applications and emphasizing environmental and biological controls whenever possible. Oversee inspection of all incoming plants and soil/media for pests and implement any necessary treatment of material, including steam pasteurization.
• Communicate with researchers (from Duke and outside companies) to determine appropriate care for various plants. Implement that care and make necessary adjustments as needed during the term of the experiments. 
• Procure necessary supplies including containers, growing media, fertilizers, labels and pest control supplies. Maintain or supervise maintenance of all horticultural equipment including fertilizer injectors, lab meters and scales, and spray equipment. 
• Prepare standard soil mixtures and fertilizers used in the Phytotron, as well as other mixes requested by researchers.
• Ensure that all plant and soil/media waste material is disposed of properly, with special emphasis on transgenic (GMO) waste disposal and use of steam devitalization equipment.
• Clean and sterilize growth chambers between research projects, or when otherwise necessary. Clean up leaves and debris from chambers periodically during projects.
• Provide training and oversee work-study students. Participate in giving orientation tours for students, staff, and researchers new to the building.

Additional Responsibilities (20%)  

• Attend or lead weekly Phytotron staff meetings and other meetings that are relevant to this position. 
• Perform any horticulture related tasks as determined by the Plant Growth Facility Manager. 
• Understand and communicate Duke and Biology Department policies effectively to all concerned. Work within all Duke University, NC State, and Federal safety guidelines and regulations. 
• Submit work requests to Duke Facilities and Maintenance Department (FMD).  Follow up on the completion of submitted work requests and projects.   
• Prepare concise and accurate reports on the status of plants in the Phytotron. Collect and organize data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions.
•  Must know, or learn, the Phytotron chamber control programs and assist the Plant Growth Facility Manager in setting up and monitoring chamber climate conditions. 
• Pursue educational opportunities to keep up to date in current horticultural practices including maintaining membership in relevant professional organizations.
• Plant and maintain outdoor planters near the Phytotron front entrance (when other duties are completed)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Must understand basic plant needs. A strong understanding of growing media types, 

nutrient solutions, and their proper application is desirable. 

• Must have a basic understanding of environmental control systems to manage plant needs with facility environmental control programs.
• Must have skill in using tools and equipment associated with horticultural activity and maintenance (e.g., power tools, cleaning appliances and pesticide sprayers). 
• Must have knowledge of pests, pesticides, and biological controls. 
• Must be able to establish working relationships with faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, and staff to ensure effective communication among all parties. 
• Must have ability to define plant and mechanical problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; prepare concise and accurate reports. 
• Must be able to participate in public outreach activities. This includes giving tours to school groups and internal Duke University programs. 
• Must have a working knowledge of computers and applications such as Microsoft Office Suite programs, specifically Excel, Teams, and Word. 
• Must have proficient with or willing to learn how to operate environmental control systems (Argus, EGC SCADA) relevant to greenhouse operation. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Must be able to lift and carry 25-50 pounds. 
• Must be willing to work Tuesday through Saturday.  
• A valid driver’s license or other reliable transportation arrangement is required. An NC Pesticide Applicator’s license/certificate is required, but can be obtained after hiring.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $43,888.00 to USD $70,300.  Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your pay check.  Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/ or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires knowledge of plant materials and care generally acquired through completion of a bachlor's degree program in horticulture,agronomy, botany or a related field .

Experience

Work generally requires two year's of eperience in horticulture or a related field. Public garden or estate landscape maintenance experience is preferred. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.