Senior Nursery Technician (9561C), College of Natural Resources - 81393About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.
We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.
Departmental Overview
The Senior Nursery Technician provides facilities and horticultural expertise to support plant science research for UC Berkeley faculty, staff, and students. Under the supervision of the greenhouse manager, technicians care for plants, setup custom irrigation, lighting, and plant growth chambers for research and teaching, and perform pest control. They also assist with recordkeeping and documentation of greenhouse and field activities.
Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the greenhouse manager, and without direct supervision of nursery techniques, incumbent is responsible for independently prioritizing the day's activities while constantly maintaining a flexibility that may require reprioritizing assignments should equipment or operational problems arise.
Incumbent is responsible for independently assessing and troubleshooting greenhouse situations and/or suggesting possible solutions to the greenhouse manager. The broader scope of maintenance and managerial duties may occasionally preclude the performance of general operational greenhouse duties. Assignments at this level require specialized knowledge and understanding of greenhouse experimental needs, equipment, irrigation, and environmental control systems.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: 10/29/2025.
Responsibilities
- Greenhouse Maintenance - growth chambers, equipment, nutrient pumps, autoclave operation.
- Water Plants - including weekends and holidays, drip installation, and monitoring.
- Greenhouse Management - recharge, chemical inventory, safety inspection.
- Plant Propagation and Care - troubleshooting plant growth issues, and as scheduled by researchers, orient new facility users to facility and plant care standards.
- Insect and Disease Control - weekly scouting, submit pesticide use reports to CA DPR, pesticide application.
- Greenhouse Safety - required training on equipment, pesticides, and UCB required trainings (may be WPS worker trainer).
- Field Work - field preparation and cleanup, t-tape and mulch installation, watering, weeding, tractor operation.
- Purchasing - sourcing, researching, and compliance with University purchasing procedures (may be BluCard holder and fuel card user).
Required Qualifications
- Able to perform physical labor under often strenuous conditions, including extreme heat.
- Ability to independently lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to work weekend and holiday rotations as scheduled.
- Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision and to work in a team.
- Ability to prioritize assignments under pressure.
- Demonstrated experience with routine greenhouse procedures.
- Demonstrated experience with mist and irrigation set-ups.
- Ability to access and use online forms (pdfs, Google Forms, Docs, and Sheets).
- Effective communication and organizational skills.
- Passing a spirometry test to wear a respirator.
- Good work attendance record required.
- High school diploma and/or equivalent experience/training; ability to read, write, and perform basic math calculations.
- Six years of greenhouse, nursery, or horticulture experience; or technical gardening school education and 3 years' experience in nursery techniques.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with transgenic plants.
- Experience with pesticide safety regulations and willingness to apply pesticides if necessary, while following all safety rules.
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.29 (Step 3) - $26.82 (Step 6).
- This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.
How to Apply
- To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Driving Required
- Required to hold valid driver's license including for (pickup trucks), have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
Other Information
This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Service Unit (SX) between the University of California and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/sx/index.html
- This is not a visa opportunity.
- This recruitment has 2 openings.
Conviction History Background
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Physical Exam
- Employment is contingent upon passing a spirometry test and physical for respirator clearance.
SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=81393&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=21&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant
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