Manager, Field Station

Scotts Miracle-Gro•Minneapolis, MN

43d•$111,500 - $131,200•Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Field Station Manager provides regional technical leadership and oversees all station operations, encompassing research project management, biological trial supervision, facility operations, EHS compliance, and personnel development. As a premier site within Scott's network, the Florida Field Station in Apopka, FL drives research for warm-season consumer lawn and garden portfolios, including brands like Scotts, Miracle-Gro, Ortho, and Roundup. Collaborating with cross-functional teams and internal experts, the Manager helps to direct major research programs to deliver innovative, cost-reduced, or improved consumer products. Additionally, this role champions continuous operational improvements and effectively communicates scientific results to diverse internal and external stakeholders, from R&D teams to business leaders and regulators.

Requirements

Minimum of an M.S. degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a biological science such as Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Entomology, or Soil Science.
With an M.S.: 5–7 years of relevant research and managerial experience.
With a Ph.D.: 2–4 years of relevant research and managerial experience.
Strong practical knowledge of general horticultural principles for cultivating warm-season turf, ornamentals, tropical foliage, and vegetables.
Specialized expertise in areas such as plant nutrition, soil science, growing media, or weed/pest management is required.
Strong command of experimental design, statistics, and Good Research Practices (GRP).
Proficient in Agricultural Research Manager (ARM), Google Workspace, and MS Office, with familiarity in Minitab or SAS.
Knowledgeable in smart/IoT technologies and GIS-based programs applied to consumer Lawn & Garden research.
Proven ability to manage projects, motivate teams, and drive career development for station personnel.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills (English fluency required; Spanish language skills are a plus) to influence product strategy and present to diverse audiences.
A genuine passion for the consumer lawn and garden industry, paired with an innovative, well-organized mindset and a commitment to continuous operational improvement.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in a biological science such as Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Entomology, or Soil Science.
Spanish language skills

Responsibilities

Manage all field station activities, site maintenance, logistics, and equipment while strictly enforcing EHS protocols, safety audits, and environmental compliance.
Directly supervise, train, and develop a team of 3–5 research specialists and technicians (plus 1–3 seasonal staff), while planning and executing site Field Days and tours for stakeholders.
Direct the station's budget, track expenditures, allocate resources, and secure capital funding to support ongoing and future operations.
Partner with Corporate Marysville, OH research teams to plan, monitor, and execute fieldwork. Conduct biological trials utilizing standard software (ARM or Minitab) in strict alignment with Good Research Practices (GRP).
Serve as the primary site liaison, delivering operational and project updates to diverse audiences, including R&D teams, business leaders, and external visitors.
Apply high-level original thinking to design experimental research plans, analyze data, and translate results into actionable recommendations for warm-season lawn and garden portfolios, leading to innovative product development, cost reductions, and compelling consumer claims.