Greenhouse and Exhibits Technician

Written By Food + Farm Exploration Center

Organization Overview

Food + Farm Exploration Center (F+FEC), in partnership with Farming for the Future Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability. Located in Plover, Wisconsin, F+FEC aims to deepen the understanding of modern agriculture, promote agricultural literacy, and foster connections between farmers and consumers. By creating a space for learning and engagement, F+FEC provides an opportunity for people to explore the world of agriculture and better understand the origins of their food.

Position Overview

The Greenhouse and Exhibits Technician plays a crucial frontline role at Food + Farm Exploration Center, ensuring the smooth operation of over 60 immersive exhibits in the Ag STEM Gallery and greenhouse, and assisting with outdoor spaces such as the demonstration fields and gardens, while providing exceptional guest experiences. This full-time position involves monitoring and maintaining the exhibits, troubleshooting technical issues, and engaging visitors in a friendly and professional manner. The technician will also oversee daily operations in the newly constructed greenhouse, including planting, watering, cleaning, and will lead guided tours indoors and outdoors discussing innovations in modern agriculture. Strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to excellence are essential for success. This rapidly evolving organization offers growth opportunities across various areas of the facility, making it an exciting role for those passionate about education and sustainability. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter for consideration.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Greet visitors in a friendly and hospitable manner.

  • Check people into the exhibits and provide a brief overview of the exhibits.

  • Make rounds every 15 minutes to ensure every exhibit is running properly.

  • Troubleshoot impaired exhibits to get them functioning as rapidly as possible.

  • Reset exhibit space after visitors have used or moved items.

  • Clean the exhibits as needed.

  • Assist with Farm Tech Shed activities including school lunch setups, teardowns and cleaning.

  • Perform daily activities to operate and maintain the greenhouse

  • Work closely with the education team to develop plant rotations and other plans to maximize education value of the greenhouse.

  • Monitor the environmental conditions and perform daily activities to operate and maintain the greenhouse.

  • Care for plants including planting, trimming, weeding, supporting stems, harvesting, fertilizing, up-potting, watering, and other activities.

  • Remove plants from pots, clean and sterilize pots for next round of planting.

  • Inspect crops daily for pests and diseases and treat plants and greenhouse with pesticides when needed.

  • Other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications & Experience

  • 1+ years of greenhouse experience.

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree or sufficient applicable experience in agronomy, soil science, horticulture or related field.

  • 1+ years of customer service experience.

  • Ability to troubleshoot technology.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills.

  • Ability to obtain a pesticide applicators license.

Physical Demands

  • Able to stand and sit for long periods of time.

  • Physical requirements include but are not limited to stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, squatting/crouching, crawling/kneeling, pushing/pulling, climbing (ladders), reaching above the shoulders, lifting of up to 50 lbs.

Instructions for Applicants

Interested applicants please assemble and email the following pieces of information, combined into one document, to hello@fftf.us by 11/15/2024:

  • A cover letter describing your qualifications, including your interest in the Food + Farm Exploration Center.

  • A current resume.

  • Three professional references with names and relationship (references will not be contacted until candidate has been notified).

Food + Farm Exploration Center Commitments

  • The hourly wage for this specialist position starts at $17 per hour.

  • Paid time off (PTO)

  • Eight paid holidays

  • Competitive medical and supplemental benefits are available after 60 days of employment. 

  • A 401K plan is offered following one year of employment.

  • Complimentary employee membership and discounts.

  • Offers of employment are contingent upon results of thorough background check, drug screen, and reference checks.

  • All inquiries about and interactions with candidates are kept in strict confidence.

Food + Farm Exploration Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military.

Food + Farm Exploration Center is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.  This commitment is embodied in company policy and the way we do business at the Food + Farm Exploration Center and is an important principle of sound business management.

Food + Farm Exploration Center