Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are:

The Department of Biology at Swarthmore College is committed to providing our students with an excellent education in Biology.

The opportunity:

The Greenhouse and Garden Manager (GGM) allocates their time between the Biology Department Greenhouse and the Environmental Studies Program Our Food Garden. The GGM is supervised by both department chairs, with the Biology Department chair serving as the GGM’s reporting supervisor. The position is divided as 57% biology and 43% ENVS.

Greenhouse: The GGM is responsible for managing and supervising the Biology Department greenhouse (GH) and operations in order to support the biology curriculum, the living biology plant collection, and research activities. The GGM will work closely with faculty, staff, and students to ensure that plants grown in the GH for courses and research are healthy and vigorous. The position involves direct plant care, operation and maintenance of the GH, and supervision of part-time and student employees.

Gardens: The GGM focuses on supporting the Environmental Studies Program curriculum through year-round management of the Our Food Garden (OFG) and development of operations that connect students and the Swarthmore community to agriculture. The GGM will work closely with faculty, staff, and students to ensure that the OFG is healthy, productive, and educational, using agroecological practices when possible. They will work to create a safe, accessible, and visually engaging learning environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Greenhouse:

• Direct plant care, including watering, fertilizing, pest control, maintenance of the plant collection, propagation, and cleaning.
• Maintaining greenhouse and headhouse facilities, including but not limited to, greenhouse controls, facility maintenance needs, space requests, and planning utilization of facilities.
• Regular meetings with stakeholders to ensure open communication for all parties involved.
• Supervision and organization of part-time and student workers who assist with plant care and other duties as assigned.

Gardens:

• Year-round OFG maintenance including, but not limited to, management of agricultural crops, cover crops, irrigation, weeds, pests and diseases, soil health, composting operations, and storage facilities.  
• Coordination with principal garden stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students to support and further the educational mission of the OFG. This may include working with classes, supporting garden-related outreach events (including harvest giveaways), and upholding best management practices for all stakeholders.
• Supervision and organization of student workers and volunteers who assist with garden care and outreach events.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Part-time employees (year round, weekends, holidays, and as needed): Biology Greenhouse
• Part-time student employees (academic year): Biology Greenhouse
• Part-time employees (year round, weekends, holidays, and as needed): ENVS Gardens
• Part-time student employees (academic year): ENVS Gardens

Who you are:

• Communicate as a team member clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms.
• Build effective working relationships with coworkers, faculty members, administrators, students, and others.
• Exhibit maturity, reliability, composure, and stability under pressure in order to handle on-the-job challenges.
• Work successfully with the diverse College community and uphold the College’s commitment to equal employment opportunity in order to help the College realize its commitment to excellence through diversity.

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience with sustainable agriculture or horticulture practices, greenhouse management, and student or part-time worker supervision.
• Expected to acquire and maintain an up-to-date PA pesticide applicator’s certification and a driver's license.
• Have a working knowledge of the principles of plant propagation and management and of the effects of environment, nutrition, and chemical factors on plant growth.
• Ability to develop garden, greenhouse, and facility maintenance protocols.
• Understand and abide by a high standard of professional ethics in order to ensure the integrity of the Biology department, ENVS Program, and the College.

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Working knowledge of the maintenance and repair of greenhouse equipment.
• Experience working in an academic teaching setting and working with students.
• Experience coordinating work with contractors and vendors.

Physical Demands

• Bend, stoop, and carry up to 50 lbs; climb stairs and ladders
• Navigate all working environments, including the greenhouse, headhouse, gardens, and ancillary spaces.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in cold and hot conditions.

Working Conditions

• Occasionally work authorized overtime as required to respond to emergencies, complete projects, or meet heavy demand

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with pay expectations, including a resume and cover letter, by January 20, 2025. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled.

PA Criminal Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

MVR Required by Position

Due to operating a College owned motor vehicle while performing essential job responsibilities for this position, a motor vehicle report (MVR) clearance is required prior to the start of employment.

Education Verification Required by Position

An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.

Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

2025 Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.