Greenhouse Assistant

About the Company:

The Charter School for Applied Technologies (CSAT) opened its doors in 2001 as a 700-student school serving grades K-6. Today, CSAT is a busy campus consisting of three distinct buildings (Elementary, Middle and High Schools), that host approximately 2,300 students from 19 different school districts throughout WNY.

Job Description:

POSITION: Greenhouse Assistant (Part-time)

SCHOOL YEAR: 2025-26

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Non-exempt

Our Mission:

The Charter School for Applied Technologies prepares students to attain family-sustaining careers by integrating career exploration and a lifelong learning culture.

The Charter School for Applied Technologies (CSAT) opened its doors in 2001 as a 700-student school serving grades K-6. Today, CSAT is a busy campus consisting of three distinct buildings (Elementary, Middle and High Schools), that host approximately 2,300 students from 19 different school districts throughout WNY.

Why CSAT?

We are a team inspired by our mission of preparing students to attain family-sustaining careers. If you are looking for a supportive culture providing professional development, training, and mentorship, this could be the place for you! Working as part of a team, you can make a positive and profound difference in the lives of the students we serve. Offering extensive classroom support and assistance with curriculum and instruction, we seek ambitious, creative, and dedicated staff to help make our vision a reality.

Job Summary

Under limited supervision, the Greenhouse Assistant Position is responsible for maintaining greenhouse plant materials, both hydroponic and soil-based, and assisting with the setup and implementation of grade-level greenhouse projects. This also includes day-to-day tasks such as watering, feeding, pruning, propagation, testing, and pest management with other duties consistent with operating an active school greenhouse facility.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Maintenance:
Care for plant materials used in school and grade-level projects, including watering, fertilizing, pruning, propagation, and pest and disease management.
Apply or release organic chemical and biological materials to manage insect, disease, and weed pests.
Maintain special plant collections, including vegetative and seed propagation and cloning.
Setup and Support of hydroponic growing systems.
Support for Projects
Assist faculty, staff, and students with grade-level projects by prepping, procuring, installing, and maintaining project materials.
Assist in planning and producing plant stock for special events.
Facility Maintenance
Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment, including environmental control systems.
Perform basic repairs and upkeep of the greenhouse facility equipment.
Test growing media to evaluate pH and soluble salts and prepare hydroponic fertilizer stock solutions.
Maintain records and reports as required.
Supervision and Training
Advise and supervise students as needed.
Be willing to acquire more knowledge whether self-directed or professional development opportunities
Ensure a safe working environment and adhere to safety protocols.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift 25-40 lbs. individually or in a team lift as needed and push/pull boxes or equipment.
Physical dexterity to work with small hand tools and operate greenhouse equipment.
Ability to stand for extended periods, climb ladders, and bend, squat, or kneel as necessary.
Ability to work in wet environments and manage hydroponic nutrient tanks.
Availability to work weekends when required by projects.
Skills and Requirements
Knowledge of horticulture and gardening principles.
Understanding greenhouse operations and maintenance.
Ability to operate, maintain, and perform basic repairs on greenhouse equipment.
Proficiency with computers as required by the department.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and the public.
Sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform job duties, including heavy lifting, squatting, and climbing ladders.
Qualifications & Education

A minimum of 1 year of experience in college/university greenhouse work, nursery experience, or advanced gardening with hydroponic experience (or willingness to learn)
Good organizational skills and ability to work under limited supervision
Master Gardener certification is desirable
Ability to pass background check and fingerprint clearance

POSITION STATUS: Part-time

START DATE: ASAP