Position Title:Building Services Specialist II
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, or a closely related field.
Hands-on greenhouse experience, including managing plant growth from seed to harvest across a variety of species.
Experience operating and adjusting computerized environmental control systems in greenhouse or growth chamber settings.
Knowledge of greenhouse facility maintenance and repairs, including HVAC, lighting, and structural systems.
Background in chemical handling and greenhouse safety protocols, with relevant training or certifications.
Experience supporting research in a controlled-environment facility.
Job Description:
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking a Building Services Specialist II to serve as the Greenhouse Specialist. This position supports research, teaching, and extension activities conducted in controlled environment facilities, including greenhouses and growth chambers. The role involves overseeing plant growth operations, maintaining environmental systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to provide high-quality plant care and facility support.
Key Responsibilities:
+ Manage daily operations of greenhouses and growth chambers, including planting, fertilizing, watering, harvesting, pest control, and preparation/sterilization of soils and media.
+ Develop and implement species-specific care protocols to support diverse plant needs.
+ Monitor and adjust computerized environmental control systems to maintain optimal growing conditions.
+ Schedule facility usage, maintain records, and manage a fee-for-service billing system.
+ Oversee facility maintenance and repairs, including HVAC, lighting, and IT systems.
+ Manage budgets, inventory, and procurement of supplies and materials.
+ Train and supervise faculty, staff, students, and student workers in safe and effective facility use.
+ Enforce safety protocols, conduct safety training, and ensure compliance with chemical handling and regulatory standards.
The Department of Horticulture Greenhouses consist of modern, state-of-the-art facilities covering approximately 10,400 square feet. The space is divided into dedicated research and instructional wings, with eight bays for research and four for teaching. Completed in 2011, the greenhouses feature web-based environmental control systems, in-floor heating, snow-melt capabilities, automated shade/thermal curtains, and multiple irrigation options. These facilities support a wide range of research, teaching, and extension activities in plant science and horticulture.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter that clearly outlines their experience and qualifications, particularly as they relate to the preferred qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
Level Guidelines- Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals- Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude- Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action- Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices- Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff- May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)- May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist- Provides guidance to students
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS808
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans- Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)- Life insurance and long-term disability- Flexible Spending Accounts- Various voluntary benefits and discounts- Employee Assistance Program- Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: July 3, 2025
Posting Close Date:July 10, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R17329
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university’s Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
