Hydroponics Technician Part Time

Description:
Milton Hershey School is seeking a part-time Hydroponics Technician to support indoor hydroponic crop production with plant care and facility maintenance. The position is part time: 20 hours per week from January through May and significantly reduced hours from June through December.

The Hydroponics Technician provides care for plants and facilities at the Horticultural Center’s educational greenhouses, with a focus on the hydroponic production of strawberry, tomato and cucumber crops. These crops serve as a platform to engage students in modern agriculture and agribusiness through a combination of clubs, internships and class projects. The position’s duties include cultural care for crops such as pruning and trellising (on a ladder for vine crops); harvesting, sorting and weighing produce; integrated pest management; handling/applying pesticides and fertilizers; sanitizing greenhouse surfaces and plant containers; and other related horticultural/floriculture activities. Equipment operation and maintenance is expected. Responsibilities may include directing a weekly student club.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Strong interest in horticulture and specifically in hydroponic crop production required; demonstrated knowledge and skills in horticultural care of plants and crops preferred.
• Experience with safely operating farm/garden equipment.
• Physical ability to work in hot conditions (indoor/outdoor) for an extended time period and to occasionally move up to 50 pounds.
• Physical ability and willingness to balance and work on tall step ladders.
• Willingness to learn and implement integrated pest management, including safe use of appropriate pesticides and biological controls.
• Competency with basic computer tasks including using Microsoft & Google applications.
• Positive interpersonal skills with students and adults.
• A high degree of integrity (all MHS employees are considered role models for MHS students).
• Willingness to actively engage with students.
• A strong work ethic.