Greenhouse Specialist

Agricultural/Horticultural Specialist (Greenhouse Specialist - #003097) The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is engaged in a full range of preventive and ongoing grounds maintenance programs, related landscape repairs and construction, and general construction support for other Facilities Management trades. The role supports and carries out the operation of the University's greenhouse complex, including 2400 sq. ft. of greenhouses, 5500 sq ft. of protective structures, and multiple cold frames. Responsibilities include propagation of 1,000,000 seeds per year, preparing growing mediums and containers, seed sowing, propagation procedures, transplanting, fertilization applications, chemical control applications, and watering. The position also handles propagation of plugs, bare‑root, bulbs, cuttings, and foliage plant maintenance. Plant growth and development are critical to ensure plants are ready for campus seasonal color beds. Responsibilities also include layout, installation, and maintenance of seasonal color plants, including planting bed soil profile enhancement, dead‑heading, pruning, division, staking, fertilization, spraying, hand weeding, mulching, and supplemental watering. The role performs setup and layout of foliage plants in campus facilities for special events such as graduations, conferences, and meetings. Care and maintenance of foliage plants in public lobbies and administrative offices are performed to keep them at optimal health. The job includes general repair, construction, and upkeep of greenhouse facilities, benches, ventilation, lighting, irrigation, shade cloth, cold frames, and installation of new landscape plantings for newly constructed or renovated buildings. General grounds maintenance tasks such as mowing, weed control, pruning, mulch/fertilizer/chemical applications, litter control, and snow removal are also performed. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required Extensive knowledge and ability to perform horticultural procedures and tasks for the care and development of seasonal color plants and foliage plants; landscape installation procedures; grounds maintenance tasks. Operation and care of greenhouse facilities and structures used in seasonal color plant development/production and foliage plant development. Seasonal color plant bed design, installation, and maintenance; plant material installation procedures; fertilizer, insecticide, and weed control chemical applications; general turf and landscape maintenance. Valid North Carolina driver's license and North Carolina pesticide license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalency with demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. May require North Carolina pesticide license and/or commercial driver's license. NC pesticide license required within 6 months of employment. Position Type and Compensation Permanent Full‑Time. 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. Salary range: $33,540 – $58,335. Anticipated hiring range: $43,384. Employment Eligibility Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. Candidates must provide proper documentation of identity and employability at time of employment. Equal Opportunity Employer Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr