CSM Professional I - Plant Research and Greenhouse Operations Professional

Plant Growth Facilities

The University of Missouri Plant Growth Facilities is seeking a Plant Research and Greenhouse Operations Professional to provide specialized plant care and research support for faculty, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, and students.

This position plays an important role in supporting plant biology and agricultural research by maintaining healthy plant populations, monitoring growing conditions, coordinating pest management activities, and helping ensure that greenhouse operations meet research and compliance requirements. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative research environment supporting multiple research projects and helping protect valuable plant materials and the integrity of ongoing experiments.

Successful candidates will be comfortable working independently while also collaborating closely with researchers and facility users. Strong candidates will bring excellent attention to detail, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to identifying plant health or environmental concerns before they affect research outcomes.

Because this facility supports multiple investigators and research programs, the ability to balance competing priorities and communicate effectively with researchers will be particularly important.

Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
* Collaborate with faculty, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, and students to develop and implement plant production plans that support experimental protocols and research timelines.
* Monitor plant health, growth, and environmental conditions and identify concerns related to pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, or environmental stress.
* Implement and recommend appropriate plant care and corrective strategies to support healthy plant growth and successful research outcomes.
* Coordinate integrated pest management activities, including preventative practices, pest monitoring, and appropriate control measures.
* Support compliance with university policies, biosafety protocols, permitting requirements, and applicable requirements associated with plant research.
* Develop and implement standard operating procedures related to plant production, greenhouse research support, and experimental plant management.
* Train and provide guidance to students, researchers, and laboratory personnel on greenhouse procedures, plant care practices, pest prevention, and research compliance.
* Coordinate greenhouse space utilization and plant placement to accommodate multiple concurrent research projects.
* Maintain accurate records related to greenhouse activities, plant materials, and space utilization.
* Coordinate inventory and procurement of seeds, growing media, fertilizers, plant care supplies, and other greenhouse research materials.
* Communicate plant health concerns and recommendations to investigators and research personnel.
* Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm; with flexibility for weekend/evening hours as required for experiment needs.

Associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

We are seeking candidates who have experience or education related to plant growth, greenhouse operations, agriculture, or biological research. Preferred qualifications include:
* Bachelor's degree in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, biology, plant pathology, entomology, agriculture, or a related field.
* Experience working in a greenhouse, growth chamber, agricultural research, university research, or similar environment.
* Knowledge of plant production, plant nutrition, pest and disease identification, and environmental stress management.
* Experience with integrated pest management (IPM), including pest scouting, prevention, and control strategies.
* Experience supporting research experiments or working with research faculty, staff, or students.
* Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills and the ability to coordinate multiple research projects and priorities.
* Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with individuals from a variety of scientific and technical backgrounds.
* Experience developing or implementing standard operating procedures.
* Pesticide applicator certification or the ability to obtain applicable certification, for assigned duties.

Salary Range: $24.00 - $32.00 hourly
Grade: Salary Plan # GGS 008
University Title: CSM PROFESSIONAL I
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

MU application and resume

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.