The Sustainable Horticulture Student Worker

SUMMARY:

The Sustainable Horticulture Work Study Worker will be assisting with research works related to hydroponic lettuce and tomato production in the greenhouse. The student should be willing and able to work indoors or outdoors in hot or cold, dusty or wet conditions and enjoy getting his/her hands dirty. The student worker will learn skills related to hydroponic production (nutrient film technique, Dutch bucket) of various specialty crops, plant growth measurement, data collection and synthesis.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties and responsibilities are listed below:

·       Complete tasks related to hydroponic crop production in the greenhouse, including seeding, transplanting, nutrient solution preparation, watering, cleaning of hydroponic system, and troubleshooting.

·       Assist with harvesting and sample processing.

·       Other duties as assigned.

·       Complete training as required by the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University-Commerce, and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

·       Adhere to safety and biohazard guidelines related to chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, etc. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

·       Education: Must be a student in good academic standing at Texas A&M University – Commerce and with interest in greenhouse vegetable crop production.

·       Knowledge / Skills: Dependable, punctual, and self-motivated. Demonstrate willingness to learn. Must be able to lift and carry 80 lbs.

·       Ability to: Must be willing and able to work inside or outside, extreme heat or cold, and must be willing and able to work in dry, dusty or wet, muddy conditions, and able to come sometime in the weekends and after hours, holidays, campus breaks for a quick check on the hydroponic system.

·       Must be eligible for Work Study. No work study students can also apply

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

·       Horticulture major preferred but not required.

·       Experience working in greenhouse preferred.

·       Experience working with power equipment, especially for drilling and tubing.