Job Description Summary

Organization Summary Statement:

The Central Maryland Research and Education Center – Turfgrass Facility is seeking an experienced Manager. Under the general supervision of the Center Director, the Manager will establish the operations and management of the facility. This includes working directly with researchers and their staff to implement projects and assist with research and educational programs related to turfgrass. Provide support as outlined by the Center Director. This position requires a knowledge of turfgrass production and maintenance and the willingness to be a working manager, performing daily operations alongside facility employees and providing supervision and training.

Key Responsibilities/Duties:
• Manager will direct the overall daily planning and operation of the teaching-research farm,
including job assignments, task priority, and interaction with researchers and campus
departmental personnel to implement projects, assist with research and educational programs
in the furtherance of research.
• Coordinate the assignments of employees and use of farm resources: land, building, equipment,
supplies and labor for efficient and effective operations.
• Responsible for the oversight of the facility budget to control costs while ensuring that the purchase of supplies, equipment, and services are made promptly to keep the facility at maximum
efficiency.
• Directly supervise two direct-report full-time employees and student labor. Works
alongside facility employees providing direct supervision and assignments of projects, completes
employee performance reviews (PRDs) and timesheet approval authority.
• Manager will also be responsible for keeping the facility and employees in compliance with
training, safety procedures, and regulations pertinent to daily operations.
• Responsible for maintaining knowledge by attending training and meetings to keep up with
industry, experience, and agronomic practices with turfgrass species, golf course turf (putting
greens and fairways), sports field turf, and research. Responsible for maintaining interactions
with non-university agencies such as the Maryland Turfgrass Counsel and the general public.
Will have an integral role in the planning and conducting of various service activities, such as
tours and field days

The Central Maryland Research and Education Center (CMREC) Turfgrass Facility is located in College Park, Maryland. The Turfgrass Facility has 35 acres and is located at the northern edge of the University of Maryland College Park Campus. The facilities are managed by the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). The facility’s focus of research concerns turfgrass, but studies are also conducted on wildflowers and ornamental/native grasses.

Physical Demands: Harsh work environment—excessive walking, heat, cold, dirt, noise. Must be able to tolerate strenuous physical activity (e.g., ability to lift 50 lbs., shoveling, carrying heavy items) that may have to be completed in adverse weather conditions.

Preferences:
Five (5) years experience managing turfgrass or related agronomic or horticultural crops.
Maryland Public Agency Applicator’s Certification is to be attained within two years of employment.
Knowledge of OSHA and MDA regulations regarding workplace safety and guidelines for pesticide use.
General knowledge and understanding of Turfgrass production and maintenance.
Familiarity with research protocols, turfgrass equipment, and products.
Three years of direct supervisory experience.
Experience with relevant campus systems and knowledge of the university’s transition to Workday.

Licenses/Certifications: N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: Three (3) years of professional turfgrass experience. One (1) year of experience leading or supervising professional staff. Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. Knowledge of turfgrass production and maintenance. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws. Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service and sensitivity to a culturally and ethnically diverse community.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume or Curriculum Vitae, List of References

Best Consideration Date: N/A

Posting Close Date: 3/31/2025

Open Until Filled: No

Essential Position:

The incumbent is considered an essential employee and may be required to work during emergencies, inclement weather or to accommodate departmental needs and deadlines.

Job Risks

Respiratory Protection

Financial Disclosure Required

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

AGNR-AES-CMREC-Turfgrass Research Facility

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$70,900 - $85,080

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO/AA Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer; all qualified applicants, including veterans and people with disabilities, will receive consideration for employment. UMD is actively engaged in recruiting, hiring, and promoting underrepresented communities. Please read the entire University of Maryland Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement of Policy.

Women, Minorities, Disabled, Veterans, and LGBTQ+ Welcome!

Diversity Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

The University of Maryland (UMD) does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities. Specifically, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in UMD programs and activities, including with respect to admission and employment.

Resources

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Search Firm Managed Vacancies

The Maryland Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 389, St. Michaels, MD 21663 Phone: (443) 742-6618