Assistant Director

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

6d • $4,942 - $7,570 • Onsite

About The Position

As the Assistant Director of Horticulture Teaching Facilities, you will serve under the Horticulture Department Chair (or Director) and will be responsible for the day-to-day management, strategic planning, and operational oversight of three hands-on educational facilities, including the Horticulture Center (a 15-acre farm with orchard, nursery, and small fruit plantings), the Horticulture Teaching Greenhouses (a 10,000 sq ft greenhouse), and the Horticulture Display Garden. These educational facilities are particularly important for hands-on student experiences via HORT courses and horticulture-aligned student clubs (Horticulture Club and HORTA – Horticulture Alliance). These facilities also support research, outreach, and community engagement activities. In this role, you will play a critical leadership role in supporting academic programs by integrating facility operations with instructional goals, student engagement, faculty collaboration, and workforce development. You will perform and oversee the maintenance and repair of greenhouses, orchards and nurseries, and display gardens. You will exercise independent judgment and discretion related to operational planning, budget management, staffing, and safety compliance. You will coordinate the use of the facilities for research, extension, student clubs, and public events, ensuring optimal functionality, educational value, and alignment with university and departmental objectives. You may also conduct formal teaching via lectures and laboratories that align closely with student engagement with Horticulture Teaching Facilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant sciences, agriculture, ecology, natural resources, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in greenhouse management, facility, program, or farm management.
• At least one (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions that impact operational success and student learning outcomes.
• Washington Public Operator Pesticide License or the ability to obtain one within 6-months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in horticulture, agricultural education, plant sciences, ecology, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative setting with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in a university or educational setting.
• Knowledge of greenhouse climate control systems, orchard and nursery production, and sustainable farm management.
• Experience engaging students or supporting academic instruction in hands-on environments.
• Familiarity with student development and/or experiential learning theory.
• Experience coordinating or supporting outreach, research trials, and community engagement programs.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day management, strategic planning, and operational oversight of three hands-on educational facilities: Horticulture Center, Horticulture Teaching Greenhouses, and Horticulture Display Garden.
• Perform and oversee the maintenance and repair of greenhouses, orchards and nurseries, and display gardens.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion related to operational planning, budget management, staffing, and safety compliance.
• Coordinate the use of the facilities for research, extension, student clubs, and public events.
• Conduct formal teaching via lectures and laboratories that align closely with student engagement with Horticulture Teaching Facilities.

Benefits

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts
• Training and development
• Employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager