Assistant Manager of Horticulture, Waterman

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Operations team and under the supervision of the Waterman Manager, this role coordinates and assists with plot layout, maintenance and upkeep at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory (Waterman). The position assists with various operations including horticulture, ecological, agronomic, turfgrass, Controlled Environment Research Complex (CEARC), and Multispecies Animal Learning Complex (MALC) related tasks. The role involves operating and maintaining equipment, installing and operating irrigation systems, and overseeing student training on various machinery. This position also assists with the supervision of student employees and coordinates staff to maintain horticulture plots, gardens, lawn areas, green infrastructure, and seasonal tasks. Accurate record-keeping of field operations, weather, treatment logs, and time records is essential. Duties may require adjusted work schedules based on weather, soil, and crop conditions. The role supports faculty, staff, and students with research layout, experimental design, treatment application, and other project support. It also assists with acquiring mechanical supplies and inputs, and conducts operations to demonstrate best management practices for ecological management as part of a public showcase. Effective communication with industry professionals, college administration, faculty, staff, and the general public is crucial. The position provides backup support to other CFAES unit managers and coordinates with MALC management for tasks such as animal handling and facility clean-out.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Four years of experience in horticulture, soil sciences, and/or plant health systems.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Working knowledge of mechanical equipment including but not limited to hand tools, tractors, nutrient and pesticide application equipment, and skid steer loaders.
• Ability and willingness to obtain an Ohio Pesticide Commercial Applicators License; Unit will assist to pay for this credential.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Mastery of Microsoft Office, email, and Microsoft Teams.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Food, Agricultural, Environmental Sciences, or related fields OR equivalent work experience.
• Area of study in horticulture sciences with specialization in plant systems, environmental systems, or related.
• Master’s degree or training in horticulture, soil science, and/or environmental sciences.
• Class B Commercial Driver’s License within 180 days of hire; Unit will assist to pay for this credential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and assists with plot layout, maintenance and upkeep at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory (Waterman).
• Assists with Waterman horticulture, ecological, agronomic, turfgrass, Controlled Environment Research Complex (CEARC), Multispecies Animal Learning Complex (MALC) and related operations.
• Operates and maintains equipment, including hand tools, tillage, fertilizer and herbicide application equipment.
• Installs and operates irrigation systems.
• Oversees student training, education, and documentation on equipment such as utility vehicles (UTVs), tractors, skid steers and similar equipment.
• Assists with supervision of student employees.
• Coordinates and assists student and other staff to maintain horticulture plots, gardens, lawn areas, green infrastructure and seasonal tasks such as snow removal.
• Keeps accurate record of field operations, weather, treatment logs and time records.
• Assists faculty, staff and students with research layout, experimental design, treatment application and other project support functions.
• Assists with acquiring mechanical supplies and inputs for plot support.
• Conducts operations to demonstrate best management practices for ecological management, as part of a public showcase.
• Maintains effective communications with industry professionals, college administration, faculty and staff and general public.
• Provides back up support and assistance to other CFAES unit managers, including but not limited to horticulture and specialty crop areas, environment and natural resources, grounds and turfgrass, CEARC, MALC, Chadwick Arboretum, and Wetlands facilities.
• Coordination with Assistant Director and Managers for MALC to assist with tasks such as animal handling and facility clean out.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED