Associate Plant Growth Assistant

• Research Support

• Full-time (100%), continuing position.

• Base salary will be in the range $68,939 - $75,882 + 17% super (HEW Level 3).

• Join a purpose led team at UQ maintaining vital plant growth infrastructure, glasshouses, and horticultural systems for world class teaching and research.

• Apply your experience in plant care, pest monitoring, and irrigation across multiple facilities in a supportive, safety focused environment.

• Be a part of our Gatton Campus community while working across our other campuses.

Join a collaborative and purpose led team as an Associate Plant Growth Assistant, supporting the plant growth organisational unit in delivering high quality services for teaching and research. In this hands on role, you will contribute to the care and maintenance of vital plant growth infrastructure while supporting innovative research outcomes across multiple UQ sites. Working within a supportive and inquisitive environment, you will help ensure the health, sustainability, and performance of plant based research systems.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining and cleaning plant growth infrastructure, including glasshouses, greenhouses, growth rooms, and associated equipment.

• Supporting horticultural operations such as potting, irrigation, pesticide application, and preparation of growing media.

• Monitoring plant health and promptly identifying and reporting pests, diseases, or other issues.

• Assisting with the setup and maintenance of experiments and research projects, ensuring high service standards.

Please note to keep our operations running smoothly, this role includes being on an on call roster with potential after hours call outs.

• Demonstrated experience in horticulture, ideally within glasshouse or greenhouse environments.

• Ability to monitor plant health and identify issues such as pests and diseases.

• Experience maintaining plant growth infrastructure and irrigation systems.

• Strong understanding of safe work practices and commitment to OH&S compliance.

• Proven ability to perform physical tasks and work across varied environments and weather conditions.

• Effective communication skills with a strong client service focus.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

• Valid unrestricted driver’s licence, own vehicle, and willingness to travel across multiple UQ facilities.

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create meaningful change. At UQ, we are ambitious, collaborative, and purpose-driven, with a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.

Join a community where contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Free parking and intercampus bus.

• On campus childcare, medical clinic, and post office.

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave.

• 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading.

• Health and wellness discounts, including fitness passport access and Employee Assistance Program.

• Career development opportunities, including access to internal vacancies and Study for Staff program.

• 25% discount on eligible UQ Vets services.

• Access to UQ Sport facilities.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Sarah at [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks, mandatory immunisations, First Aid certification, and Blue Card checks. This may also include checks relating to integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

We’re dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate potential. We’re also happy to support accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process.

Applications close 25 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-65585). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for 2 July 2026.