Job Summary

The Hydroponic Research Operations Administrator will be responsible for the operational planning and daily management of hydroponic production and research facilities directed by the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. In this role, you will work closely with the Student Farm Manager and HLA Plant Growth Facility Team to successfully implement and maintain hydroponic research and to grow a variety of high-quality produce sold to help support programs at the Student Farm. You will support the delivery of controlled environment agriculture experiential learning and outreach programs on campus, at the farm, and at Extension events, collect and analyze data to design and modify systems to improve productivity, teaching collaborations with faculty and specialists supporting their research and courses on campus and at the farm as well as participate in public engagement and outreach activities. The position may maintain an applied research program and pursue grant funding opportunities, depending on the candidate’s background and interests. 

What You'll Be Doing:

• Managing of the hydroponic production and research activities in shipping containers at the Student Farm and on campus
• Budget management, marketing development, planning and executing production schedules, mastering plant propagation, improving nutrient solutions, and optimizing climate control
• Collaborating with leadership to implement an effective integrated pest management program
• Developing an understanding of the Freight Farm (now Growcer) growing container environmental control software
• Working closely with the Student Farm Manager, coordinating harvest, cooler space, and produce sales
• Maintaining daily records (purchasing, production, pest management, sales, inventory)
• With guidance, developing, updating, and improving standard operating procedures for the shipping containers
• Attending weekly activity planning and monitoring meetings with the Student Farm Director and HLA Plant Growth Facility Manager
• Supporting experiential learning in hydroponic farming by hosting college classes, K-12 groups, growers, and other interested parties
• Collaborating with faculty in their teaching activities, guest lectures, and supporting teaching in their courses
• Engage in public relations activities with farmers, cultural centers, and visiting groups, supporting extension/outreach efforts and events
• Under general supervision, developing an Extension program that focuses on all aspects of container farming
• Writing and publishing newsletter articles and Extension bulletins
• Meeting with researchers to discuss needs and managing the space, time, and equipment needed to complete their research projects successfully
• Working closely with the Student Farm Manager and HLA Plant Growth Facility Manager to identify, train, and manage student interns
• Identifying and proposing skills development opportunities that will improve the capacity of students and increase the productivity of the shipping containers
• Actively working to eliminate safety hazards
• Implementing good agricultural practices and analyzing and identifying critical control points where food safety may be compromised
• Designing, proposing, and implementing systems that minimize food safety risks and the possibility of a foodborne illness outbreak

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a closely related field
• 2 years of demonstrated hands-on experience in hydroponic systems and CEA operations 
• Cover letter
• Competency in related agriculture science disciplines and administration
• Knowledge of pest management, farm planning, equipment maintenance, etc.
• Capacity to diagnose insect and disease problems and implement control measures
• Demonstrated strengths in small-group personnel/student training and mentoring
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Must be a proficient user of Microsoft Office applications and ability to operate hydroponic equipment
• Ability to collect and manage data, prepare reports, and maintain standard operating procedures
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems using prior experience and analysis of issues and making moderate to significant improvements in processes
• Ability to prioritize workloads
• Ability to work independently under limited supervision. May be responsible for entire projects or processes within an area
• Willingness to flex work hours for occasional weekend assignments
• Must be able to obtain an Indiana pesticide applicator license within 30 days.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license

Nice to Have: 

• Masters degree

What We'd Like You to Know:

• Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A Background Check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period

Career Stream

Professional 2

Pay Band S065
Link to Purdue University's compensation guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
Job Code #20002104
Link to Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

*Effective August 1, Purdue implemented a new background screen policy: any internal transfer will receive a new background screen if one has not been run within the last year.

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