Research Technician - Horticultural Science

Posting Number PG195168SP

About the Role

The Department of Horticultural Science is seeking a motivated and experienced professional to support the day-to-day operations of the Horticulture Field Lab (HFL), a large-scale outdoor and greenhouse research complex serving faculty, students, researchers, and industry partners across multiple departments. The HFL supports a wide range of field and greenhouse research, teaching, extension, and industry testing activities and is home to the JC Raulston Arboretum.

The position provides operational and research support for the HFL and assists with operations at the Fox and HFL Greenhouses. The role works closely with the HFL/Fox Greenhouse Coordinator and HFL Research Operations Coordinator to maintain safe, efficient, and functional research and teaching environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate facility maintenance and repairs.
• Manage work requests and equipment resources.
• Support irrigation and water systems.
• Maintain operational and inventory records.
• Assist with field and greenhouse activities.
• Coordinate resources to meet the needs of approximately 22–25 active research projects and Principal Investigators.
• Serve as a key operational resource for faculty, staff, students, and other facility users.
• Assist with the planning and allocation of facility space, equipment, and other resources.
• Support safety and compliance activities.
• Guide temporary personnel in facility operations.
• Assist with teaching and extension events.
• Monitor facility operations during weekends or other periods when designated coordinators are unavailable.
• Supervise HFL interns and bi-weekly employees.
• Operate skid-steer loader, Dingo, Ditch-witch, tractor, and row mulcher.
• Teach students how to use machinery and conduct various landscape contracting activities.
• Install research project plots, apply herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and other necessary maintenance chemicals.
• Repair buildings, greenhouses, polyhouses, irrigation lines, and nursery pads.
• Repair electrical problems and apply poly to houses.
• Manufacture and deliver mulch as part of campus closed-loop initiative (2500 yards).
• Assist JCRA with various education projects and construction activities.
• Host field days.

Requirements

• Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Valid North Carolina Pesticide Applicator License within 60 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Plumbing experience.
• Small equipment use and mechanical aptitude.

Pay

$53,140 - $55,000

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Retirement Programs.
• Disability Plans.
• Life Insurance.
• Accident Plan.
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs.
• 12 Holidays Each Year.
• Tuition and Academic Assistance.
• Childcare benefits.
• Wellness & Recreation Membership.
• Wellness Programs.

Location

Raleigh, NC