Assistant Manager-Grounds, Turfgrass, and Horticulture

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Job Title:Assistant Manager-Grounds, Turfgrass, and Horticulture

Department:FAES | Waterman Farm

📍 Waterman Chadwick Arboretum, Columbus, Ohio

📅 June/July 2026 – June/July 2029, 3-year term position.

About The Role

Help maintain and enhance two vibrant campus environments—Waterman Lab and Chadwick Arboretum. In this hands-on role, you’ll support landscape management, research, and teaching while helping showcase sustainable best practices.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds, gardens, and green infrastructure (lawns, rain gardens, etc.)
• Support horticulture, turfgrass, and crop operations
• Operate and maintain equipment (tractors, sprayers, skid steers, tools)
• Assist with plant trials, greenhouse work, and landscape projects
• Coordinate staff, students, volunteers, and resources
• Support research projects and student labs
• Contribute to events, tours, and outreach programs
• Assist with irrigation and technical installations
• Help manage equipment, materials, and project logistics
• Winter weather clean-up snow plowing, salting, sidewalk clean-up & safety
  
  

Minimum Requirements

✅ Required

• High school diploma or GED
• 4 years relevant experience (or 2 with a bachelor’s degree)
• Experience with landscape/grounds equipment
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Legal to work in the US, without visa sponsorship
• Willingness to obtain within 180 days:
• Ohio Pesticide Applicator License
• Class B CDL
  

⭐ Preferred

• Degree in horticulture, agriculture, or environmental sciences
• Experience with plant systems, ecological management, or research support
  
  

Pay & Benefits

💰 $17.50 – $22.86/hour (based on experience, internal equity, & units budget)

✨ Includes full staff benefits

👉 Why join us?

Work outdoors, support impactful research and education, and be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team focused on sustainability.

Additional Information

This job profile is a Farm Coordinator 4 (T4 level) on the career roadmap.

Location:Turfgrass Foundation (0983)

Position Type:Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours:40

Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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