Greenhouse & Garden Manager
Website University of Colorado
Who We Are
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system and is home to over 10,500 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students.
Colorado Springs (pop. 400K+) is situated at the base of Pikes Peak, offers many recreational and cultural activities and was recently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Job Duties
Supervision
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- Interview, hire, train, coach, and evaluate student employees/grower staff.
- Interview, accept, train and schedule volunteers.
- Develop employee expectation manual and volunteer guidelines.
- Schedule staff in accordance with budgetary guidelines.
Operations
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- Manage all aspects of crop production including schedule and supervision of all phases of the design, propagation, planting and maintenance of plants
- Manage and oversee the planting, cultivation and harvesting of vegetables, flowers and trees
- Keep day-to-day records of operations and prepare schedules for staff.
- Purchase supplies.
- Determine propagation, potting, fertilizing, watering schedules.
- In collaboration with food service needs, decide what plants to produce.
- Calculate costs and decide wholesale pricing.
- Deploy organic pest and disease management strategies.
- Maintain environmental controls.
- Inventory control.
- Ensure upkeep of equipment and facilities.
- Maintain machines and equipment necessary for the planting, cultivation and distribution of the greenhouse crops.
- Upgrade and improve growing practices to include vertical farming.
Business Development
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- Collaborate with Auxiliary Marketing to promote The UCCS Farm’s programs and services
- Develops and maintains revenue generating programs such as the annual UCCS Plant Sale and the weekly UCCS Farm Stand in collaboration with SWELL (Sustainability, Wellness and Learning)
- Identify and apply for grants available.
Other duties include
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- Manages and directs in-person phone calls, mail and other documents.
- Ensures the timely submission of leave records and time sheets for employees.
- Processes incoming mail and monitors e-mail as required.
- Driving University vehicles.
Job Competencies
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- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Must have the ability to work with a variety of constituents in a professional manner and be able to respond to a variety of requests from a variety of sources effectively and in a pleasant manner.
- Knowledge of organic farming best practices.
- Must be self-sufficient and able to juggle multiple assignments.
- Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively within own unit and with other administrative and academic units.
- Demonstrated high commitment to service excellence, diversity and equity.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations in a multi-cultural environment that is committed to diversity and equality in education while utilizing defined student learning outcomes.
- Working knowledge and experience with animal and plant life cycles.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Excel.
- Working knowledge of hydroponics including drip, ebb and flow, and NFT systems as well as lighting configurations.
- Basic mechanical skills.
- Experience in irrigation systems installation and management.
This position has been determined to be exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
What We Offer
University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers a comprehensive benefits package. Information on benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at: http://www.cu.edu/employee-services.
Salary Range: Generally starting at: $44,147 – $58,862
Tentative Search Timeline
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- Week of 11/9/20: Review of applicants
- Week of 11/16/20: round 1 interviews via phone or Microsoft teams
- Week of 11/30/20: Finalist interviews
- Beginning of January: Potential job start
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To assist in achieving this goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history check.
UCCS is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, the University of Colorado will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation or political philosophy in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.
Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date. If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.
Minimum Requirements
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- Bachelor’s degree in ecological horticulture or related field (may substitute related experience on a year-for-year basis).
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in food or plant production.
- One year of experience with chicken husbandry.
- Two years of experience in greenhouse management.
Preferred Requirements
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- Three years of supervisory experience.
- Two seasons of beekeeping, preferably top bar hive
- Experience farming in an arid and mountainous climate such as Colorado Springs.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk. Employee is frequently required to bend, knell, stoop, crouch, crawl and reach; medium energy requirements and fine motor skills. Talking and hearing within normal range. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Work is primarily outdoors, workers may be exposed to rain, snow, and extreme heat or cold.
University Staff
Special Instructions to Applicants
- Applications submitted by November 9, 2020 will receive full consideration.
- Applications submitted through email or surface mail will not be considered. Please apply at www.cu.edu/cu-careers ( job #19383)
- Upon request, please be prepared to provide five professional references (at least two previous/current supervisors), including their email contact information.
- Official Transcripts will be required upon hire (if applicable).
Job Category
Facilities/Labor,Trades & Crafts
Primary Location
Colorado Springs
Department
C0001 — Colorado Springs Campus
Schedule
Full-time
Posting Date
Oct 26, 2020
Unposting Date
Ongoing
Posting Contact Name
Stephanie Viles
Posting Contact Email
sviles@uccs.edu
Position Number
00415397
To apply for this job please visit www.linkedin.com.
