Field Facility Lead Turfgrass Science

This position is full-time on a continuing basis. This position will support the management of research protocols under the general direction and oversight of the Project Investigator, as well as in performing experimental procedures directed by other turfgrass researchers on the team.

This position primarily contributes to the field maintenance of The Turfgrass Research, Outreach and Education Center (TROE) at the University of Minnesota. This site includes both a USGA specification research green, a native soil research green, turfgrass research plots and turfgrass breeding nurseries, as well as an automated rain-out shelter that is used for research on turfgrass water-use and drought tolerance. In addition to facilities at TROE, other turfgrass research sites are located around the state of Minnesota. In the winter months, this position also includes maintenance of turfgrass research in controlled environments such as in the greenhouse and growth chambers.

A flexible schedule to accommodate various tasks is needed. This position may be required to work more than 8 hours per day in all weather conditions. Some weekend work may be necessary depending on the experiments in progress. This position also requires occasional travel within the Twin Cities metro region. There may be occasional overnight travel outside the Twin Cities metro area to assist with turfgrass research.

Responsibilities

Maintain field facilities (50%)

• Fine turfgrass maintenance - set up of reel mowers, aeration equipment and topdressers
• Plot and breeding nursery maintenance - mowing, weed control, fertilization and fungicide and insecticide application as needed
• Visual scouting of turf areas for biotic and abiotic stresses; identification of diseases using applicable techniques
• Assist with propagation of plant material in the greenhouse during the winter Maintain controlled environment spaces by coordinating with facilities staff
• Design and installation of new irrigation as needed
• Maintenance of existing irrigation systems
• Lead planning for long-term field facility equipment and infrastructure needs Maintain turfgrass management equipment and storage facilities
• Detailed record keeping of all field activities
• Recordkeeping for chemical and equipment inventories and maintenance of SDS and label databases

Research activities (20%)

• Assist with industry-sponsored research trials, including project initiation and execution
• Outside research space use planning and documentation for the turfgrass research group.
• Develop systems for communication with turfgrass research group about management protocols
• Assist in installation of new turfgrass research trials
• Assist in data collection on turfgrass research plots, including off campus (other research stations, roadsides, golf courses, etc)
• Assist with controlled environment research data collection
• Detailed record keeping of all research activities
• When contributing to a research project, ensure data is organized and accessible; regularly review data collection methods for quality and accuracy
• Present research results at biannual turfgrass research field day.

Supervise student work (20%)

• Hire student workers to assist in research facility maintenance
• Train new employees
• Coordinate field equipment safety for all turfgrass research group employees
• Establish work flows and guidance documents for undergraduate students to follow for their tasks; Meet regularly with students to provide support, guidance, and feedback
• Delegate job assignments to employees, establish deadlines
• Assign, schedule and supervise undergraduate student personnel to conduct routine field tasks
• Instruct graduate students on correct field research protocols

Logistical support and collaboration (10%)

• Order materials needed for field facility operation; track expenditures to ensure grant funds are appropriately used
• Seek industry support for products and equipment used in turfgrass management activities
• Attend weekly turfgrass science lab meetings and provide regular updates at lab meetings on field trial progress, facility issues, and operations planning

This is a in-person, on site position.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

For more information about this position, please contact Dominic Petrella, Assistant Professor (dpetrell@umn.edu).

Required

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, agronomy, turfgrass management, or related discipline; plus two years of relevant experience or a combination of related education and experience to total 6 years
• Experience managing turfgrass surfaces such as those found on golf courses or sports fields
• Experience operating turfgrass maintenance equipment and/or agricultural field machinery
• Special requirements
  • This position requires lifting and carrying loads of at least 50 pounds and standing and walking for long periods of time in variable weather conditions. This position also involves applying pesticides and fertilizers. Candidate must have a Minnesota pesticide applicators license (Categories A and E) or agree to obtain one within 60 days of start date. This position requires independent vehicle travel. Candidate must have a valid Class D Minnesota Driver's license. This position involves operating field equipment such as mowers, GPS sprayer, tractors, and sprinkler systems.

Preferred

• Experience repairing and maintaining turfgrass maintenance equipment
• Experience applying pesticides and fertilizers to low- and high-cut turfgrass systems using various pieces of equipment such as ride-on sprayers, stand-on sprayers, backpack sprayers, and rotary or drop spreaders
• Experience supervising or mentoring employees
• Experience scouting for important turf pests and making pest management decisions
• Experience with the operation, maintenance and auditing of irrigation systems
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with others from a variety of diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated organizational skills and multi-tasking capabilities

The Turfgrass Science program at the University of Minnesota is part of the Department of Horticultural Science in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences, and the University of Minnesota Extension. At our Turfgrass, Research, Outreach and Education (TROE) Center on the St. Paul campus, we conduct research on turfgrass breeding and genetics, roadside turfgrass selection and management, low-input turfgrasses for cold climates, water conservation in turfgrass systems. We have seven full time staff, including faculty and research scientists along with M.S. and Ph.D. students who support ongoing research. More information about our program can be found at: www.turf.umn.edu and
www.horticulture.umn.edu.

Pay Range: $27.94 - $29.64 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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