Greenhouse Collections Coordinator

Biological Sciences

553954

Close Date: Feb. 4^th, 2026

 

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

 

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands-on learning, inspired teaching, ground-breaking research, and thought-provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

 

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

 

(553954) Instructional Support Technician III, Greenhouse Collections Coordinator, Salary Range: Step 1 – Step 20: $5,044-$7,348 Monthly. Hiring Range: Step 1 – Step 7 $5,044 – $5,680 Monthly. This is a full-time, benefited, non-exempt, 12-month pay plan, permanent position with a one-year probationary period in Department.

This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 14 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.humboldt.edu/hr/employee-benefits.

 

Position Summary:

The Cal Poly Humboldt greenhouse, experimental greenhouse, experimental garden, and landscape plantings contain the largest and most diverse living plant collection in the California State University system.  While the Greenhouse Committee of the Department of Biological Sciences sets general policies, the Greenhouse Collections Coordinator is responsible for the specialized knowledge and skills required for the operational responsibilities needed to maintain and develop the plant collection and facilities.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Management of greenhouses, experimental garden, and plantings:

• Make the physical environments found in the greenhouses compatible with the living plants. 
• Culture a diverse collection of plants by means of a thorough understanding of their water requirements; light requirements; soil or other root medium requirements; nutritional requirements; normal and abnormal growth features; cardinal temperature requirements; germination and dormancy characters.
• Develop and maintain adequate labeling of plants in the collection, in collaboration with Cal Poly Humboldt’s Facilities Management, as appropriate.
• Propagate (sexually or vegetatively) plants in the collection.
• Produce in sufficient number and at the proper growth phase and time a variety of plants for experimental or observational purposes, as required by different courses that utilize greenhouse resources and material.
• Assist faculty and graduate students in setting up research experiments.
• Recognize pests, pathogens, and disease symptoms, and carry out appropriate control measures, including biological pest control agents.
• Search technical literature and carry out experimental research to determine cultural practices best suited for a given species.
• Provides lead work direction to staff, coordinates equipment, and space on a 7-day-a-week basis to achieve these goals.

Oversee overall operation of facilities (greenhouses, garden) and equipment:

• Be able to make adjustments and repairs in these systems as needed; contact and advise appropriate personnel at Facilities Management.
• Propose structural, mechanical, and electrical modifications of the existing facilities that will improve their functionality, energy efficiency, and teaching effectiveness.
• Keep abreast of the latest advances in greenhouse design and technology.
• In the event that additions to or remodeling of the existing facilities become feasible, consult and advise architects/contractors on all aspects of design – structural, mechanical, and electrical.

Administrative Duties:

• Participate in the training of staff.
• Maintain internal security of the facilities and collections.
• Coordinate and oversee the daily cultural and custodial duties.
• Prepare budget requests for staff, operating expenses, and equipment.
• Prepare an annual report on facilities operation and activities to be submitted to the Greenhouse Committee and the Department Chairperson.
• Answer inquiries related to the facilities and maintain records of correspondence, as appropriate.
• Maintain records on the origin and cultural requirements of all permanent acquisitions in the collection.
• Maintain records on the laboratory requirements for plant materials from courses in the Department of Biological Sciences.
• Serve as a technical advisor to the Greenhouse Committee and the Department Chair.
• Assist the Greenhouse Committee in the administration of the Greenhouse Trust Fund.

Development of collections:

• Be familiar with the program in plant sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt so as to appreciate how our emphasis will dictate the choice of holdings in the collection.
• Be able to evaluate the effectiveness of each plant in satisfying these needs.
• Work with the Greenhouse Committee and department faculty in determining additions, alternatives, and deletions that would enhance the effectiveness of our teaching collection.
• Develop some familiarity with the holding of other greenhouses and botanic gardens (in the California State University, University of California systems and elsewhere) and be proactive in correspondence and examination of catalogs and databases to select appropriate additions to the collection.

Service to the University and Community:

• The Greenhouse Collections Coordinator should be open to share knowledge of plants and the greenhouse facilities with interested persons from the academic and non-academic communities.  These activities should not interfere with the major responsibilities of the Greenhouse Coordinator, but should serve to promote the exchange of information between the University and the community, and to improve the public relations of the campus in the local community.
• Set, maintain, and post a schedule of at least 20 hours per week when the greenhouse is open to the student body, broader campus community, and the general public.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include:

• Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population
• Knowledge of the principles and methods related to maintaining and curating living botanical specimens and greenhouse equipment and technical systems
• Knowledge of the materials and supplies related to the curriculum of plant science subjects.
• Ability to plan, organize and schedule work
• Ability to operate and repair technical and scientific equipment;
• Knowledge of principles and methods of:
• Sterilization of soils
• Soil and amendment preparation
• Pest and disease diagnosis and control, including biological pest control
• Working knowledge of plant identification, cultivation, vegetative and reproductive plant propagation, and maintenance, particularly for greenhouse-managed collections.
• Understanding of environmental controls (light, temperature, humidity, irrigation) and their impact on plant health.
• Ability to practice plant culture techniques for a large number of plants.
• Working knowledge of Fertilizer types and application
• Knowledge and ability to operate climate control systems and humidity control systems and devices
• Must be able to lift, carry, and manipulate heavy potted plants and bulky containers weighing up to 100 pounds by hand or using a hand truck or cart
• Strong background knowledge in botany and a detailed understanding of light and humidity conditions, air flow, temperature strata, etc.
• Have a thorough understanding of greenhouse mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, such as ventilators, vent operators, misting systems, pneumatic sensing and controlling devices, electro-mechanical sensing and controlling devices, and computer-automated climate control system.
• Have a thorough understanding of compost tea brewing systems.
• Ability to clearly explain plant-related concepts and greenhouse operations to individuals with varying levels of expertise.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with students, faculty, staff, and members of the general public in a professional and welcoming manner.
• Skill in informal teaching, research activity, tours, or demonstrations that promote knowledge exchange without disrupting core duties.
• Skill in tracking open hours, coordinating access, and ensuring schedules are communicated accurately through appropriate channels (signage, websites, campus communications).
• Skill in planning and preparing facility budgets

 

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Equivalent to four years of experience working in a plant nursery, botanical garden, greenhouse, or a comparable setting
• Or
• Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in Botany or a similar discipline may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
• Or
• Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in Botany or a similar discipline may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Botany or Horticulture (or equivalent)
• Experience coordinating operations in a educational or commercial greenhouse
• Skill in coordinating staff assignments and coverage to support facility operations.
• Skill in planning and adjusting schedules to accommodate operational demands, absences, and special activities.
• Skill in providing clear work direction, guidance, and technical instruction to staff.
• Skill in fostering teamwork and maintaining effective working relationships in a fast-paced operational environment.

 

Application Procedure: To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Application Deadline: The deadline to submit application materials is 11:55 p.m. on Feb. 4th 2026.  

Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626.

We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people, where they have resided from time immemorial. We encourage all to gain a deeper understanding of their history and thriving culture. As an expression of our gratitude we are genuinely committed to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long lasting partnerships with the Wiyot people as well as all of our neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the California State University system to offer a stand-alone major in Native American Studies.

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.

Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee's assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on-campus work assignment, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.

CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measure established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu.

Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a “Campus Security Authority”, pursuant to the Clery Act, and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1107 a condition of employment.

CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.  Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the Cal Poly Humboldt provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Humboldt complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.  Cal Poly Humboldt is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly Humboldt, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

 

Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Additionally, all CSU staff and faculty receive training annually on their obligations in responding to and reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence. You will be notified by email when you are required to take this mandated training.

Class Code:  [1619]
Publication Date:   [01/21/2026]