Greenhouse Tsai Lab Student Assistant

The Tsai Lab in the Warnell School of Forestry at UGA is seeking a part-time student worker to assist in maintaining experimental trees in field and research greenhouses. The student assistant will collaborate with the greenhouse research technician to inspect, weed, trim, and maintain experimental plants, apply biocontrol and fertilizer, and perform various greenhouse maintenance tasks such as cleaning, composting, and watering.

Responsibilities

• Plant Care (e.g., watering, scouting for pests, applying fertilizer, pulling weeds, making cuttings, pruning) – 65% of time
• Routine maintenance in greenhouse (e.g., washing pots, plant tissue processing and disposal, stocking supplies, general cleaning) – 25% of time
• Assisting on other research projects as needed – 10% of time

Requirements

• Preferred majors: Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Horticulture, or other science-related fields
• Coursework in biology or chemistry and previous lab and/or plant care experience is a plus
• Prior experience working with plants or in a greenhouse is preferred
• Reliable transportation is required (no public transportation to greenhouses)
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift 50 lbs (e.g., bag of soil)
• Ability to perform manual labor in hot, summer conditions

Skills

• Ability to follow complex instructions
• Ability to work independently
• Strong organizational skills
• Attention to detail and precision
• Self-awareness and manual delicacy

Schedule

Preferred schedule: 3 hours/day, 3-5 days/week, plus at least one weekend shift (2-4 pm) per month. Applicants should include their available hours and desired number of hours per week in their cover letter.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check.