Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Biological Sciences Department Chair and with lead work direction provided by the Director of the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory, this position provides technical support for faculty, and students in the teaching and research activities associated with the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory (CPPC) and the Biological Sciences Department. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining the CPPC plant collection, and all the horticultural activities required therein. Support includes moving plants from the CPPC or other places on campus to where they will be used in classrooms and teaching labs. This position exercises significant independence and autonomy in providing comprehensive technical assistance, which includes the preparation and maintenance of supplies, setting up laboratory materials and equipment for student and faculty use, as well as assisting faculty in the development and demonstration of experiments and techniques, and supporting departmental facilities. This position is responsible for monitoring and making suggestions/modifications to ensure the safety and security of department laboratories, and partnering with faculty to develop, refine, and implement activities that incorporate the latest scientific knowledge into the classroom.

This is a full-time temporary one-year position and is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, vision and CalPERS retirement. 

Department Summary

The Biological Sciences Department is the largest academic unit within the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics and is one of the largest departments at Cal Poly. There are approximately 900 undergraduate students and 50 graduate students. The department's mission is three-fold: I) offer majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, Marine Science, or Microbiology; 2) offer courses to satisfy the biology requirements for other majors; and 3) offer courses to meet general education and breadth requirements for Cal Poly's entire student population. The department offers approximately 125 different courses to over 10,000 students annually, with the majority of courses having a laboratory component. For additional information about the Biological Sciences Department, please visit: https://bio.calpoly.edu/

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of biological science principles and their application in an instructional laboratory setting, including plant biology, propagation methods (cutting, grafting, seed starting), plant nutrition, and pest and disease identification.
• Knowledge of horticultural practices for developing and maintaining a diverse living plant collection, including acquisition, cultivation, and evaluation of specimen suitability for instructional use.
• Knowledge of greenhouse systems and environmental controls, with the ability to operate greenhouse equipment and perform routine preventive maintenance and repairs.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management and plant pest control methods, including the safe handling, application, and storage of pest control products.
• Ability to identify, locate, and collect plant specimens from campus and surrounding hillside locations.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate laboratory and departmental policies and procedures to faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to serve as a technical resource to faculty and students on the selection and use of plant materials and greenhouse equipment, including troubleshooting unsuccessful experiments and recommending alternative materials or approaches.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to three 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 related to the 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 may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
• 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 area to which assigned may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $60,876 - $75,696 annually

Classification Range: $55,140 - $80,328 annually 

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 22,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Maritime Academy in Solano County to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities, maritime and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit www.calpoly.edu.

Please watch the video linked here to learn more about the CSU system. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. 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 Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

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.

Cal Poly is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.