APPN Growth Facility Plant Cultivator

Job No.: 567471

Work type: Fixed Term

Full time

Fixed Term - 3 years

Bundoora Campus

Salary HEO4 range $70,957 - $75,072 plus 17% superannuation

About the position

The purpose of this position is to support a flagship research initiative at La Trobe University – as a node of the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility Network (APPN). Based at the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF) in Bundoora, this initiative drives applied and fundamental research into advanced plant phenotyping for academia and industry.

The APPN Plant Cultivator will provide technical support for growing plants, monitoring plant health, recording basic plant growth parameters, seed harvest, and assisting with overall maintenance. The cultivator will assist with the day-to-day operations of the Plant Growth Facility, including providing quality control assessments, sampling plant materials for laboratory analyses, ordering consumables, stock take, cleaning of pots and growth compartments, and preparing growth substrates (soil, perlite etc) as well as nutrient stock solutions for the PRIVA based fertigation system.

This position will provide basic research support to APPN customers from both external research institutions and industry as well as LTU associated research programs by growing a variety of plants in highly controlled indoor environments (i.e., growth pods, controlled environment rooms, and glasshouses).

The role involves following strict compliance guidelines by the Office of Drug Control Australian Department of Health (ODC) in relation to research on medicinal cannabis, and the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) in relation to research involving hemp and other controlled substances, and other State and Federal bodies relevant to the specific research programs.

Skills and Experience

To be considered for this position, you will have

Completion of a Diploma level qualification with relevant work-related experience in horticulture, protected cropping, or related area; or completion of a Certificate IV with relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience or on the job training.

Demonstrated experience in growing plants in a protected cropping environment, ensuring plant performance, pest and disease management, and optimising plant growth conditions.

Demonstrated experience in assisting with glasshouse facility operations including programming automated climate control and fertigation systems (e.g., PRIVA).

Excellent work hygiene practices – cleanliness and operating under best practice guidelines for quarantine and PC2 work.

Ability to accurately record data using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), electronic devices and mobile phone apps and to fill-in electronic facility management forms to conform with compliance requirements.

Ability to adhere and ensure compliance with work instructions, safe operating procedures, and compliance regulations (OHS, Biosecurity, PC2), as well as to provide feedback on how to improve those.

Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

Welcome to Bundoora campus – Please click on the video link below:

https: // f.io/KDo0ceng

Benefits:

17% employer contributed superannuation

On site child care facilities

Flexible work arrangements

Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses

How to apply

Closing date: By 11:55pm, Sunday 21st July 2024

Position Enquiries: Prof Mathew G Lewsey (Node Leader, CoE Plants for Space; Node Director, APPF-LTU)

Via Email: [email protected]

Recruitment Enquiries: Lisa White, Talent Acquisition Consultant,

Via email [email protected]

Position Description below:

PD-APPFPGFCultivator.pdf

Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position.

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

Cover letter and;

An up-to-date resume

Please scroll down to apply.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.

All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.