Greenhouse Superintendent

Job Category  Technical

Position Title  Greenhouse Superintendent

Full Time/Part Time    Full Time

Division  Dean of the Faculty

Department    Biology

Work Arrangement type   On-Site (Hamilton, NY) – expected to work fully at the designated campus/office location.

Hiring Wage/Salary Range     $26.85-$30.35/hour

Professional Experience/ Qualifications    

Experience propagating and cultivating a diverse range of plant species, including those used specifically for academic research and teaching collections.

Experience detecting signs of pests, diseases, and environmental stress on a diverse range of plant species, and implementing appropriate treatments.

Ability to communicate effectively and work collegially with diverse groups of community members, students, staff, and faculty.

Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.

Preferred Qualifications       

Experience in calculating and applying fertilizers and soil amendments.

Experience operating and troubleshooting greenhouse and growth chamber control systems.

Experience acting as the curator of a living collection in an academic or research setting, providing accurate taxonomical information to community members, students, staff, and faculty.

Education       

An Associate’s degree in biology, botany, horticulture, or plant sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in commercial greenhouses or university research settings is required.

A Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, horticulture, or plant science is preferred.

Certifications

Current NYS Pesticide Applicator / Technician certification, or willingness to obtain this certification within the first year of employment is required.

Offer Determination 

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Physical Requirements         

Ability to stoop, bend, stand for long periods of time in greenhouse environments with high heat and humidity.

Ability to lift a maximum of 30 pounds.

Responsible for following all procedures to conduct work activities in a safe manner including but not limited to wearing PPE required for specific duties and safe handling of chemicals as outlined by University policies and/or the supervisor. Responsible for immediately reporting any unsafe conditions to the supervisor and/or Environmental Health and Safety.

Other Information     

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits           

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.

Department Statement         

The Biology Department at Colgate University offers majors in Biology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Biology, and Natural Sciences with a concentration in Marine and Freshwater Science. All faculty engage undergraduates in active research programs, spanning the fields of molecular biology, cellular biology, physiology, microbiology, ecology, evolution, and genomics. There are currently four faculty members engaged in plant-based research and teaching. This position plays a key role in supporting botanical teaching and research, and also supporting student organizations and university outreach programs. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with faculty and students across plant-based teaching and research in the fields of ecology, evolution, genetics, and physiology. It also provides an opportunity to work closely with student organizations (e.g., the Colgate Flora Society, and the Colgate Community Garden).

Accountabilities        

Plant care

Ensure proper care and maintenance of plants housed in all University greenhouses and growth chambers, including propagation and cultivation.

Develop individualized care protocol for a diverse range of plant species.

Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests, diseases, and environmental stress, ensuring timely intervention using appropriate treatments and best integrated pest management practices. Develop and maintain a plant health index and take effective action to remedy poor growing/health conditions.

Regularly monitor and apply fertilizers and soil amendments that promote optimal health and growth for plants housed in all University greenhouses and growth chambers.

Facility use and maintenance

Understand how to operate and ensure proper greenhouse and growth chamber environmental specifications (e.., photoperiods, light intensity, temperature regimes, humidity) as provided by faculty.

Coordinate maintenance and repairs for greenhouse infrastructure with the Facilities Department including but not limited to irrigation, fogging, lighting, HVAC.

Support teaching, research, and outreach activities

Develop and maintain a current electronic inventory of plants housed in all University greenhouses and growth chambers.

Provide professional advice on the selection of plants used for classroom and laboratory instruction, and oversee their acquisition and maintenance.

Prepare plant materials for classroom and laboratory instruction, and provide technical support for biology and botany lab sections at the direction of faculty members.

Develop a grade-appropriate curriculum for outreach activities in partnership with staff and faculty.

Where appropriate, advise student organizations such as the Colgate Flora Society, and the Colgate Community Garden.

Support and maintain material related to a diverse array of research projects associated with the greenhouse and departmental plant growth chamber facilities.

Other duties

Effectively train and supervise undergraduate student workers.

Maintain an inventory of supplies and equipment, manage the greenhouse budget, and supervise procurement processes.

Enhance the greenhouse’s presence on the internet and social media.

Adhere to Colgate University’s laboratory safety policies, procedures, and practices to ensure a safe learning environment for community members, students, staff, and faculty.

Assist departmental technicians, staff, and faculty members to ensure the smooth operation of all departmental teaching and research activities.

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number  2026S021Posting

Temporary       No

Work Schedule           

Job Open Date             02/19/2026

Job Close Date           

Open Until Filled         No

Special Instructions Summary         

EEO Statement          

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

Clery Act         

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.