Greenhouse Ops Supervisor - Laboratory of Dr. Wolfgang Busch at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in Encinitas, California

Job Description:

Job Location:  441 Saxony Road, Barn 7, Encinitas, CA 92024

The CRoPS project aims to develop crop plants that sequester more carbon via extensive root systems containing recalcitrant carbon polymers to fight climate change. A major component of this research is to grow, test and analyze a variety of plant strains and species.

In conjunction with Greenhouse Grower, the Greenhouse Operations Supervisor will play a lead role in the daily operations of the Encinitas Research Facility.  Together with the Greenhouse Grower, will determine optimal growing conditions for approx. 10 crop species across two buildings.  The Greenhouse Operations Supervisor will monitor the internal conditions within the Greenhouse and adjusts/fixes the LED lights, fertilization system or climate controls as necessary to ensure the plants have the best environment for growing, across research experiments.  This role is responsible for any additional basic facility maintenance and is responsible for managing the preventative maintenance program.

Together with the Greenhouse Grower, the Greenhouse Operations Supervisor maintains environmental standards for agricultural and horticultural production. The Greenhouse Operations Supervisor along with the Greenhouse Grower, is responsible for growing new plants from seeds and tending to the ones that are already there through watering, fertilizing, and protecting them from pests. This role supervises support staff such as Research Assistants and Technicians, including support staff shared with the Field team.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Supervise growth and care of a variety of crop and plant species


• Fixes/manages fertigation system, climate, and lighting control


• Manages preventative maintenance program


• Responds to growth system alarms and emergencies


• Develops protocols as needed


• Manages indoor growth space and greenhouse resources; plans experimental timelines, resources, and space requirements


• Coordinates experimental requests from HPI scientists and staff, including Phenotyping Senior Scientist


• Supports seed amplification of various crops of interest


• Assists in planting, harvesting, and preparing tissue from plants for further analysis


• In collaboration with Greenhouse Grower, manages and responds to plant pests and diseases


• Support the field program as needed


• Serves as key point of contact for greenhouse production matters, to include various internal departments and external parties, such as facilities resources, utilities, and media relations.


• Orders greenhouse production supplies and manage budget


• Conduct, train and complete experimental trials with upmost safety protocols and compliance to established SOPs


• Ensure greenhouse production operations are compliant with Federal and California environmental regulations, reporting concerns to Salk EH&S as needed


• Determines, assigns, and monitors tasks for assigned production staff


• Oversees work product and provides guidance to staff


• Responsible for personnel-related activities, including but not limited to recruitment and performance management


• Perform high-quality, technically solid, genotyping of transformed lines


• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervises 1 to 10 employees within the


• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.


• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
  

What we Require

• Minimum of 3 years of related experience in a nursery/greenhouse, to include a minimum of 1 year of experience in a lead role.


• Experience in agricultural research or applied agriculture.


• BS/BA degree in an agricultural, chemical or biological sciences.


• Must have Qualified Applicator License for pesticide application or be able to acquire one within first 6 months after hire.

 
Preferred:

• Experience in greenhouse or field settings with some of the several crops or cover crops that are part of the Harnessing Plants Initiative.


• Strong working knowledge of and demonstrated experience with:


• Pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and watering and planting procedures


• Stages of plant life and pests and diseases that may occur


• Plant care, including watering, fertilization, weeding, and pesticide application


• Maintaining sophisticated greenhouse equipment


• Specified local, state and federal regulations and environmental mandates

 
Competencies:

• 
  Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.


• 
  Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $26.92-$35.32 hourly. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.