Job Details

Horticulture Lab Assistant I (FT), CFRN13271HORT

Position Number: 6624699
Location: Glen Ellyn, IL
Position Type: Agriculture - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture

Horticulture Lab Assistant I (FT), CFRN13271HORT

Horticulture Lab Assistant I (FT), CFRN13271HORT
The College of DuPage is a comprehensive community college located 27 miles west of downtown Chicago, vitally connected to our local area for over 50 years. We prepare students for a lifelong passion for learning on our 273-acre campus which is home to nine associate degrees and a wide variety of professional and technical certificates. Many of these credentials prepare students to seamlessly articulate into the baccalaureate programs of our higher education partner institutions.

College of DuPage is committed to student success and values an inclusive and welcoming community environment. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workforce. Our connection to the larger metropolitan area is essential to our success and provides a wealth of diverse cultural and recreational opportunities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide lab setup and technical support to faculty and staff while supporting instructional activities in both classroom and outdoor lab environments. Engage with faculty, staff, students, and the community to share horticultural services, information, and resources. Supervise students when participating in lab activities.

Maintain and oversee daily care of Horticulture laboratory spaces, including outdoor labs, greenhouses, and classrooms ensuring all areas are clean, organized, and functioning to support academics, events and activities.

Prepare and assist with classroom lab setup as directed by faculty and staff.

Perform cultural care practices for crops, including planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, and monitoring for pests and diseases to ensure healthy plant growth.

Train and coordinate, student workers and volunteers, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and in a timely manner.

Support community outreach, events, volunteer recruitment, tours, and publicity while maintaining strong connections with local organizations, media, and industry.

Implement pest and disease control strategies to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and College of DuPage Hazardous Materials guidelines and policies.

Uphold safety standards while keeping the environment clean, organized, and free of hazards. Ensure proper safety guidance for students, volunteers, student workers, and lab visitors.

Provide enhanced learning experience and additional instructional support for students as they practice work-based learning in a controlled environment.

Maintain accurate records and oversee the harvesting of produce from the sustainable urban agriculture farm, hi-tunnel, and greenhouse, coordinating distribution efforts with the Fuel Pantry Liaison.

Support Greenhouse Manager and Lab Coordinator in planning, preparing, and coordinating the departmental plant sales.

Manage and maintain inventory of equipment and supplies, ensuring adequate inventory levels are available to meet program needs.

Support Horticulture Club activities and departmental community service activities to foster student engagement and community outreach.

Operate and maintain equipment such as dingos, skid steer, tillers, forklift and mowers to ensure they remain in safe and reliable working condition.

Provide support to the Greenhouse Manager, Lab Coordinator and Program Chair as needed contributing to the successful operations of the horticulture program.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education
- High School diploma required.
- Associates degree in Horticulture or related field preferred.

Experience
- Minimum of two years working in the horticultural/agriculture industry preferred or equivalent combination of experience and education required.

Licenses and Certifications
- Illinois Pesticide Operators License within 180 Days required.

COD Training
- Particulate mask training
- Mobile elevated work platform safety training curriculum
- Forklift operator training
- Annual PCI training
- Driver Safety
- Hazardous Communications GHS training
- Oxygen Compressed Gas Cylinders Curriculum
- Annual Compliance Training

Working Conditions:

Hours may vary. Weekend and evening work may be required.

May require heavy lifting up to 50 lbs.

Use of ladders.

On your feet 80% of the day.

Working outside in the heat and cold.

Communication, computer and phone skills are necessary.

Must pass physical exam at college expense.

Will have to support labs and recruiting at off campus facilities

Hiring Range:
Starting pay begins at $20.14/hr. based on experience.

Competitive starting pay is dependent on education and experience. College of DuPage also offers a generous benefits plan which includes paid time off, tuition discounts for employees and dependents, medical, dental, vision effective the first day of employment, and retirement benefits in a collaborative and friendly environment.

College of DuPage is an equal opportunity employer. The College of DuPage is committed to recruiting and retaining high performing talent to our institution, continuing our tradition of excellence. We encourage all people across the broad spectrum of those communities we serve to explore and apply for positions at COD for which they believe they are qualified.

College of DuPage does not discriminate against individuals in employment opportunities, programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veterans' status, marital status, disability, military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or on any other basis protected by law.

To apply, visit https://cod.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/2708?c=cod