Greenhouse Technician (Academic Lab Technician)

Indiana University Indianapolis is seeking a Greenhouse Technician to manage greenhouse operations, support lab preparations, maintain plant inventories, and advise on horticultural activities. The role involves overseeing plant care, environmental controls, and coordinating facility maintenance while collaborating with faculty and students. A foundation in biology is required, along with the ability to work independently and support educational and research activities.
Job ID: 315322
Department

BIOLOGY (IN-BIOL-IUINA)
Department Information

Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis School of Science is a vital part of Indiana's life, health, and technology industries and allows for unparalleled research and collaboration. We are home to 8 departments and programs representing many different aspects of the science world. Our faculty and staff are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Indiana University Indianapolis campus is located near downtown Indianapolis. A city that uniquely combines the cultural amenities of urban life with the residential qualities of smaller communities and is highly affordable.

Our faculty engages in cutting-edge research in a wide variety of fields, including biochemistry and molecular biology, clinical psychology, forensic science, pure and applied math, and more.

We pride ourselves on our interdisciplinary approach, extensive undergraduate research opportunities, professional school placements, and service to our students. Our graduates are the life blood of an economy that needs innovative thinkers, contributing team members and eager learners. Committed to having real impact in their work and community, our graduates emerge from the School of Science as well-rounded scientists whose experiences have prepared them to solve the problems of the future.
Job Summary

The Greenhouse/Lab Technician is responsible for managing greenhouse operations, supporting instructional lab preparations, maintaining plant inventories, coordinating facility maintenance, and advising student horticultural activities. This role requires a foundation in biology and an ability to oversee plant care, environmental controls, and laboratory preparation functions. The technician must work independently while collaborating with faculty, students, and staff for research, teaching, and outreach activities.

Department-Specific Responsibilities
• Oversee plant care, propagation, watering, fertilization, and pest management (including pesticide application).
• Maintain and operate environmental controls to regulate temperature, humidity, and lighting.
• Coordinate greenhouse use for education, research, service learning, and outreach events.
• Prepare materials for laboratory sections including performing basic calculations, making solutions, arranging instruments/models, and operating lab equipment.
• Ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of lab spaces and equipment.
• Maintain greenhouse plant and supply inventories, ensuring proper stock levels for ongoing research and educational use.
• Maintain records of greenhouse facility repairs and coordinate maintenance needs.
• Operate and troubleshoot mechanical and electronic greenhouse equipment, including fertilizer injectors, foggers, respirators, light timers, and environmental control systems.
• Guide Biology Club members in plant propagation, pest control, and plant sale preparation.
• Assist with plant purchasing and ensure successful annual plant sale fundraisers.
• Provide training, mentorship, and supervision to student employees and volunteers.

General Responsibilities
• Monitor and assist faculty and students in educational resource facility (such as laboratory, learning/technology center, etc.) in support of educational and learning outcomes.
• Operate various instruments and/or machinery (may be restricted from student use), assist students using permitted equipment, and provides instruction, training, and oversight for safe operation; may be responsible for designing, fabricating, and/or machining necessary components for student and/or faculty projects.
• Collaborate with and provide support to faculty to ensure educational resource facility creates desired student experiences and achieves educational objectives.
• Ensure educational resource facility is functional and safe at all times; enforce safety standards and clean-up procedures; perform basic preventative maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of equipment; identify potential problem areas and recommends courses of action.
• Maintain inventory of necessary supplies (replacement parts for equipment, tools, material supplies, chemicals, samples, specimens, etc); provide recommendations for budget and purchase of necessary equipment, supplies, and/or materials.
• Assist in updating instructional manuals and lab-related documents.
• May give lab demonstrations or tours to groups visiting the school/department.
• May oversee and provide supervision to student employees.
Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required
• Associate's degree (preferably in a related field)

Preferred
• Bachelor's degree in biology, horticulture, or plant sciences

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required
• 1 year of related industry/field experience

Preferred
• 3 years of related industry/field experience
• Pesticide applicator license/certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience in a university or research greenhouse setting
• Supervisory experience with student workers or volunteers
• Experience in laboratory preparation

SKILLS

Required
• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Highly thorough and dependable

Preferred
• Ability to operate and maintain environmental control systems and mechanical greenhouse equipment
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, online ordering, etc.)
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Willingness to handle hazardous materials following safety protocols
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations (such as those required to prepare solutions needed for laboratories)
Working Conditions / Demands

The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Work Location

Indiana University Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana
Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.
Job Classification

Career Level: Intermediate

FLSA: Nonexempt

Job Function: Educational Resources & Tech

Job Family: Educational Resources
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
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Telephone: 812-856-1234