Essential Duties
1. Researches and collects data through complex laboratory/scientific experiments, techniques, and procedures; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for research projects. Interprets, synthesizes, and analyzes data using scientific or statistical techniques. 2. Modifies and plans research experiments, procedures, tests, or survey instruments. Assists in research design. Writes and edits material for publication and presentation. Reports on status of research activities. 3. Oversees and instructs research and support staff on technical procedures, equipment operation, and laboratory maintenance. Schedules and coordinates research activities. Sets up, operates, and maintains laboratory equipment and apparatus. Modifies equipment according to experimental specifications. 4. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. May monitor hazardous work areas and laboratory safety. Prepares related reports. May prepare financial information and monitor budgets. 5. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.
Required Education and Experience
Two years of related work experience in the same job family and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.
Position Focus:
Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Research, Marsh Botanical Gardens (MBG), provide horticultural support for the university's plant research programs at both MBG and the Yale Science Building (YSB), a technically complex, state-of-the-art plant growth facility. Daily tasks include, but are not limited to:
Plant Care/Health: Assist with advising, training and working with researchers to establish and maintain protocols. In consultation with researchers, assist with establishing and monitoring growth parameters and environmental control settings including temperature and photoperiod regimens, supplemental light intensities, growth media selections, fertilizer and watering regimens, and cultural practices.
Pest and Disease Control: Assist with assessing, diagnosing and coordinating treatments for pest control, including biological and conventional pesticide treatments. Conduct pesticide applications, maintain spray equipment and pesticide logs, records and reports.
Communication: Interact with faculty and staff to determine project needs and responsibilities. Help communicate policies, plant growth/health, and facility status. Act as a resource person to users about growing methods and techniques.
Facilities maintenance. Help maintain, repair, improve and manage mechanical, environmental, and computer systems for state-of-the-art plant growth facilities. Find and remedy problems before they become serious and detrimental. Assist with the general operation of the growth facility to ensure clean, safe and smooth operation.
Technical services: Provide technical services to individual research labs. These services include, but are not limited to, preparing growth chambers for new horticultural experiments, cleaning growth chambers once horticultural experiments have ended, standing in for normal lab member task in their absence (watering, measuring, assessing growth, etc.).
Oversee student workers: Provide daily oversight for the student workers employed by the Plant Growth Facility. Create schedules, assign tasks, and ensure quality of work students are providing.
In the absence of the Plant Growth Facility Associate Director, provide direct oversight of the facility. Address emergent situations in the day-to-day operation of the facility and escalate to the Associate Director where appropriate.
This is a part-time (20 hours/week) benefits eligible position.
Posting Disclaimer
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.
EEO Statement:
University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.
Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).
Required Skill/Ability 1:
Familiarity with taxonomic botany and how this system applies to plants. Ability to multitask, deal effectively with changing priorities and short- and long-term projects.
Required Skill/Ability 3:
Ability to possess and maintain a valid Connecticut driver's license and acquire (in a reasonable amount of time after hire) a Connecticut pest applicator's license.
Required Skill/Ability 4:
Ability to assist with pest and disease Control: Assist with assessing, diagnosing and coordinating treatments for pest control, including biological and conventional pesticide treatments.
POSITION IS PART-TIME.
Required Skill/Ability 5:
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficient computer skills, including ability to learn greenhouse management software program, greenhouse and growth chamber computerized control systems, inventory software program, and research plant collections database.
