Controlled Environment Agriculture Technician at Harrisburg University – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Technician is responsible for supporting all facets of CEA operations and crop production – including activities at both the greenhouse facilities and research labs. This includes procuring necessary supplies, plant propagation, fertilizing, conducting water quality analysis, fish farm management, pest and disease management practices, and maintaining overall system health. The CEA technician also plays a key role in the construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair of aquaponics infrastructure and production areas, with the goal of optimizing productivity, system efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Key Role Accountabilities

· Oversee daily operations within the greenhouse, including seed propagation, transplanting, fertilizing, pruning, harvesting, and crop rotation to ensure optimal plant health and yield

· Monitor and maintain water quality parameters (e.g., pH, ammonia, nitrate levels, temperature) to support both plant and fish health; troubleshoot and adjust system components as needed to maintain balance and performance

· Manage care of aquatic species including feeding, tank maintenance, monitoring fish health, and coordinating harvesting schedules in accordance with system needs and production goals

· Identify and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies; regularly inspect crops and aquatic systems for signs of stress or infestation and respond appropriately to maintain biosecurity and system integrity

· Construct, renovate, and perform routine maintenance on aquaponics structures, plumbing, tanks, and equipment; coordinate repairs to ensure minimal downtime and maximum production efficiency

· Collaborate closely with student interns to ensure they gain meaningful, hands-on experience and maximize the educational value of their experiential learning

Requirements of All Associates

· Applies best efforts and full capability each day to the work assigned by own manager.

· Advises manager when:

o An assignment is not understood.

o An assignment conflicts with knowledge of the circumstances, current skills or available time/resources.

o Obstacles to completing the assignment exist or are likely to occur.

o Opportunities to better complete or improve the assignment exist or may occur.

· Understands and demonstrates our cultural expectations.

Minimum Role Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in plant or soil science, aquaculture, environmental science, agriculture, biosystems engineering or a related field; OR the equivalent professional experience in greenhouse management, horticulture, or relevant crop production methods

· Ability to learn the skills necessary to effectively manage both aquaculture systems and hydroponic crop production methods in a greenhouse (or controlled) production environment

· Building, construction, plumbing, HVAC and/or general maintenance experience

· Understanding of GAP certification, safety protocols for food crops, basic biosecurity measures