FWS Spring 2026, Horticulture Greenhouse Production Research Assistant

Job Title
FWS Spring 2026, Horticulture Greenhouse Production Research Assistant

Requisition Number
DU14416

Department Name
1B531:Federal Work Study

Work Location
4321 Emmert Farm Ln Lexington, KY 40514

Salary Range
$12.00 - $20.00

Type of Position
Student

Position Time Status
Part-Time

Required Education

Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at the UK and eligible for the Federal Work Study program.

Required Related Experience

No prior professional experience required; training will be provided.

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Physical Requirements

Willingness to work in greenhouse conditions (warm, humid environments) and perform light physical tasks

Shift

Weekdays: Monday – Friday between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Job Summary

• Assist with plant propagation activities, including seed sowing, transplanting, and grafting of greenhouse tomato and cucumber plants.
• Perform routine crop maintenance tasks such as pruning, training, trellising, deleafing, pollination, and general plant care.
• Prepare and mix fertilizer solutions according to established nutrient recipes and assist with fertigation system setup and monitoring.
• Conduct plant measurements and assist with research data collection, including plant growth parameters, yield assessment, and physiological measurements.
• Take and organize photos to document plant development, treatments, and experimental progress.
• Assist with greenhouse sanitation, substrate preparation, irrigation setup, and general facility maintenance.
• Label plants, treatments, and experimental units to maintain accurate experimental organization.
• Enter and organize collected data in spreadsheets or databases as directed by the research team.
• Follow greenhouse safety procedures and maintain a clean and organized workspace.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Attention to detail and ability to follow research protocols. Ability to work both independently and as part of a research team.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Basic familiarity with plant care, gardening, greenhouse work, or agricultural activities is preferred.

Ability to follow instructions, maintain accurate records, and work carefully with plants and research materials. Horticulture, Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems, or Biosystems Engineering majors preferred.

Deadline to Apply
04/27/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.