Greenhouse Horticulture Technician

Position Overview:

PHS Meadowbrook Farm is a public garden located in Abington, PA. We maintain several gardens that display a wide variety of plants, hardy and nonhardy, that are cared for in our greenhouses throughout the year. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a self-starting personality who has experience caring for a diverse collection of plant material such as annuals, perennials, woodies, tropicals, and cacti/succulents. On a small scale, we do annual and perennial seed and plug propagation as well as cuttings. The Greenhouse Horticulture Technician will be responsible for all greenhouse functions within the greenhouse production area, which include scheduling and implementing plant production for spring and summer installations, propagation, insect and disease management, watering, fertilizing, weed control, operating automated greenhouse system controls. 

**Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday; 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for ensuring health of all plant material maintained in the greenhouses.
• Determine nutrient and watering/moisture requirements.
• Scout, identify and control pests by implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Manage the production process of potting and dividing plant material.
• Propagate plants from cuttings, utilizing the misting system.
• Schedule and implement seed sowing production.
• Make plant labels for existing inventory and production.
• Schedule and execute weed management plan utilizing herbicide application in and around the greenhouses.
• Operate automated greenhouse system (Bartlett) to control temperature, vents, and louvers.
• Operate greenhouse temperature alarm system (SensaPhone). When alarmed, implement emergency protocol during the loss of heat in the greenhouse.
• Maintain records of plant production process using internal Excel sheet. 
• Manage and schedule tasks for weekly greenhouse volunteers.
• Monitor fuel tank levels for boilers.
• Maintain a clean greenhouse environment including potting shed.
• Maintain all WPS safety and regulatory specifications regarding pesticides and herbicides.
• Manage and schedule seasonal Sunday watering staff. 
• All other duties as assigned including assisting the garden staff with any seasonal tasks. 

Qualifications/Specifications:

• Minimum degree: 2–4-year ornamental horticulture/floriculture degree preferred
• Years of experience: 4-5 years working experience within a greenhouse environment.
• Licenses/Certifications: Must have a current commercial PA pesticide applicator certificate
• Knowledges, Skills, Abilities required for success:
  • Must have good communication skills in written and verbal English to communicate with staff, supervisors, contractors, and guests.
  • Must be willing to work as part of a team to keep operations running smoothly. 
  • Must have computer experience and possess proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
  • Willing to work weekends or extra hours/days/holidays.
  • Must have a reliable source of transportation. 

EEO NOTICE: 

At PHS, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.