Instructional Support Technician - Horticulture Unit
(Instructional Support Technician III)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $4,583 - $4,875 per month

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,583 - $7,950 per month

• This is a full-time (equivalent to 40 hours per week), probationary, non-exempt position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the position maintains, and manages horticulture facilities (on a continuous, 24-hr/day basis) to support instructional and research activities of Jordan College of Agriculture and Technology faculty and staff. This includes greenhouses, shade/lath-houses, gardens, student project plots, faculty and research plots and all associated equipment. Manage and maintain retail and wholesale production. Organize and manage horticulture-related events at the facility.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • plant varieties and the plant classification system.
  • principles of plant biology and horticulture.
  • plant propagation and hybridization methods, soil preparation and planting techniques, and cutting, pruning, and transplanting techniques.
• General knowledge of basic business principles, sales accounting, and business mathematics
• Knowledge of the practices, methods and techniques associated with operating a greenhouse facility or other horticulture production facilities.
• Familiarity with specialized greenhouse, nursery and landscaping equipment operation and repair.
• Safety practices, procedures, rules, and precautions associated with using equipment, materials and working conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • supervise students in the propagation and care of plants and structural building maintenance and repair.
  • manage the operations of a small-scale retail sales outlet, and to deal cost effectively with wholesale interests in the buying and selling of nursery stock.
  • maintain clear and concise production, chemical use, breeding, and sales records.
  • coordinate the practical aspects of the horticulture program with the academic program and the student learning process.
  • establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, faculty, and the public.
• Plan and organize day-to-day operations and provide lead work direction to personnel engaged in instructional and/or plant production activities.
• Ability to operate, maintain and repair technical and scientific equipment.
• Develop protocols, quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• Ability to create and maintain program records and provide data for review in developing and implementing strategies to meet programmatic goals and enhance processes.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and prepare detailed written information.
• Interpersonal, and communication skills, including ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Four years of progressively responsible experience in a research / production-oriented greenhouse operation or in diversified commercial or landscaping work. (Additional job-related education may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis for up to two years of required experience.)
• Equivalent to four years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or repairing equipment in a discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or requiring equipment in a discipline related to specialty area to which assigned.
  • Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area to which assigned may be substituted for one year of the required experience, OR
  • Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the specialty area to which assigned may be substituted for two years of the required experience.
• Valid California Qualified Pesticide Applicator License, or ability to obtain.
  • Preferred Qualifications:
    • Baccalaureate degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Botany, or related discipline.

Department Summary

The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology draws on its deep roots in the Central Valley to prepare students today to be productive, resilient leaders in a sustainable global agriculture and food sector of the future.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by November 5, 2023 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)