Greenhouse Teaching & Seed Collection Support Coordinator

Greenhouse Teaching & Seed Collection Support Coordinator

Position Summary
The Greenhouse Teaching & Seed Collection Support Coordinator provides essential organizational, curatorial, and instructional support for greenhouse-based teaching activities. This position manages the cataloging, preservation, and documentation of seed collections, assists in preparing plant materials for instruction, and supports faculty, staff, and students in the use of greenhouse resources for labs, demonstrations, and course activities. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, comfortable working with plants and students, and committed to maintaining accurate records and well-managed teaching collections. Key

Responsibilities
Seed Collection & Cataloging (40%)

• Organize, label, and maintain seed inventories using standardized taxonomic and storage protocols.
• Implement seed storage best practices (drying, cleaning, testing, packaging).
• Track seed viability and coordinate periodic germination testing.
• Prepare seeds for instructional use, research projects, and outreach events.

Greenhouse Teaching Support (35%)

• Assist faculty and teaching assistants with plant material preparation for greenhouse-based courses.
• Support setup and teardown of teaching modules, labs, and course-related planting activities.
• Provide guidance to students on basic greenhouse procedures, safety, and plant care.

Curation & Documentation (15%)

• Maintain accurate records of plantings, growth timelines, and material inventories.
• Help develop reference materials, signage, and teaching documentation for greenhouse instructional use.
• Contribute to the creation of digital resources (e.g., species descriptions, instructional photos, care sheets).

General Greenhouse Operations Support (10%)

• Assist with routine tasks such as watering, pest scouting, cleaning, and organizing growing spaces.
• Maintain cleanliness and order of storage and work areas.
• Follow all greenhouse safety protocols and report issues promptly.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with plants, seed collections, nurseries, botany labs, or greenhouse operations.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and follow detailed protocols.
• Comfort using spreadsheets, databases, or digital inventory systems.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or training in plant science, horticulture, botany, ecology, or a related field.
• Experience with seed banking, herbarium collections, or living collections management.
• Familiarity with greenhouse environmental controls and basic plant care.
• Experience supporting teaching labs or educational programs.

Working Conditions

• Work takes place primarily in greenhouse environments with variable temperature and humidity.
• Must be able to lift, bend, reach, and work with soil and plant materials.
• Occasional weekend or early-morning work may be required for plant care.

Professional Competencies

• Attention to detail
• Reliability and initiative
• Commitment to accuracy in scientific record-keeping
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities

Pay Range: $15.50 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).