PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number
SRGV7764
Working Title
PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Number of Vacancies
1
Location
Edinburg, Texas
Department
College of Science/Sch of Integr Bio & Chem Sci
FTE
1.0
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Scope of Job

To provide support in the operation and coordination of a program or multiple projects. Responsible for assigned phases of a program or select projects within an area.

Description of Duties

• Coordinates a program associated with all plant propagation and care within and surrounding the greenhouse (hereafter, 'the program') to ensure that implementation and prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with specified objectives.
• Supervises assigned day-to-day activities and personnel of the assigned program. Maintains plants for research, teaching, and outreach and all day-to-day operations of the existing greenhouse and the forthcoming 'Plant and Human Health Complex', including watering and fertilizing plants as per specific requirements and help sow seeds, transplant seedlings, prune plants, and collect seeds. Operates indoor/outdoor equipment, including small motor tools (mower, trimmer, pressure washer, etc.), to help maintain both outdoor and indoor (greenhouse) areas. keeping these areas good aesthetic condition. Maintenance includes cleaning of floors, walls, and other working surfaces of the greenhouse and other facilities and trimming and care of surrounding garden complex.
• Inspects plant materials for diseases and insect problems and use integrated disease and pest management approaches to keep plants insect and disease-free.
• Supervises and trains greenhouse student workers, including undergraduate and graduate student workers to assist with duties listed above.
• Participates in planning and developing methods for program implementation and administration; coordinates program activities.
• Interacts with faculty, staff and students to promote the goals and objective of the program.
• Timely and effectively communicates any issues in the greenhouse to the respective Principal Investigator (PI) and the greenhouse committee.
• Coordinates space allocation among different PIs from multiple units within the College of Science.
• Performs on-site reviews and reports activities and resolutions of project operating issues with project staff.
• Recommends modifications to methods or procedures as required to redirect activities and ensure that objective is attained.
• May conduct formal training or instruction in a classroom setting.
• Reviews records and reports of activities to ensure progress is being accomplished toward specified program objective.
• Develops and maintains database on research studies, policy issues, etc.
• Helps modernize resources in the existing greenhouse and the proposed 'Plant and Human Health Complex'.
• May represent department in official functions, including in meetings with other UTRGV units and departments, outreach events, and participation in relevant committees.
• Assists with coordinating outreach activities related to programs associated with the greenhouse and surrounding areas.
• Assists in preparing reports, proposals, manuals, and other documentation as required for the program.
• Drafts brochures, letters, agendas, and contracts.
• Attends meetings, conferences, and seminars related to the program's mission and goals.
• Supervises and organizes seminars, conferences, and presentations.
• Prepares recurring program reports for management use or as required for project or program.
• May participate in preparing grant proposals to state and federal agencies and private foundations.
• Develops, cultivates, and maintains working relationships with internal/external departments/agencies and other organizations associated with and/or receiving benefit from the program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

Specific supervision from assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given

Supervises assigned staff.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or Agricultural Sciences or any related field from an accredited university.

Preferred Education

Master's degree in Biology or Agricultural Sciences or any related field from an accredited university.

Licenses/Certifications

As condition of employment this position requires the applicant to be authorized to operate a University-Owned Vehicle for Official University Business. Per University of Texas System Policy 157, applicants will be subject to a motor vehicle record check for their most recent thirty-six (36) month history. Out of State Drivers are required to submit a 36-month history MVR from their prior State of residence(s).

Required Experience

• One (1) year of experience working with the care of plants in a greenhouse, nursery, or other relevant settings with a BS or MS degree, or
• Three (3) years of the required experience with an Associate Degree or 60 hours of College Credit, or
• Five (5) years of the required experience with a High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Experience

Experience supervising student workers.

Equipment

The program specialist will have significant experience in operating all equipment necessary, such as greenhouse control system, irrigation system, spraying equipment, and personal protective equipment for the day-to-day functioning of the greenhouse and standard office equipment. Successful completion of assigned safety training will be required before the use any machinery / greenhouse equipment.

Working Conditions

The program specialist needs to be able to perform all duties necessary for the proper functioning and maintenance of the existing greenhouse and the proposed 'Plant and Human Health Complex' in the College of Science. Successful applicants are expected to perform all required duties, and be able to work in hot and humid conditions, and occasionally lift more than 50 lbs. Some travel and weekend work is possible. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. P and thus applicant must be eligible to drive a university vehicle for consultation, training, meetings, or on-site demonstrations

Other

Must demonstrate effective project promotion skills, and the ability to develop and maintain strong working relations with internal and external agencies and entities. Ability to interact in a professional manner with faculty, staff, students and the public.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category
Full-Time
Minimum Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Posted Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Position Available Date
08/22/2024
Grant Funded Position
No
If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date

Posting Detail Information

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Dear Applicant,

Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:

Date of Birth
Gender
*Ethnicity/Race

Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.

If you have any questions, please visit our Careers site at https://careers.utrgv.edu for detailed contact information.

Additional Information

UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.

All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check ( CBC ). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Talent Development .

Quick Link
https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/44057

Posting Supplemental Questions