Field Facility Lead (Turfgrass Science)

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.

The position operates with a high level of independence, managing priorities based on research timelines, seasonal demands, and project deliverables, while collaborating closely with the Project Investigator and other turfgrass researchers.

This position is full-time on a continuing basis. 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 or repairs that are needed. 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.

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

Job Responsibilities

Field Facility & Research Operations Management (50%)

• Lead planning, coordination, and execution of field facility operations supporting turfgrass research programs
• Manage research plots, breeding nurseries, and specialized facilities (e.g., rain-out shelters, greens, greenhouse spaces)
• Oversee turfgrass maintenance programs including mowing, fertility, pest management, and cultural practices
• Develop and implement protocols for field preparation, planting, maintenance, and data collection
• Monitor field conditions, identify issues, and implement technical solutions using advanced knowledge of turf systems
• Maintain detailed records of field activities, inputs, and compliance requirements
• Oversee maintenance, repair, and lifecycle planning of research equipment and infrastructure
• Manage irrigation systems, including installation, maintenance, and performance monitoring
• Maintain chemical inventories, SDS documentation, and compliance records
• Develop long-term plans for facility and equipment improvements

.Research Support & Technical Expertise (20%)

• Collaborate with faculty to support the design, installation, and execution of research trials
• Provide technical expertise in data collection methods, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and quality control
• Develop and improve systems for organizing and communicating research protocols and data
• Assist with data collection across field, greenhouse, and controlled environments
• Contribute to interpretation and presentation of research results at field days and events

Supervision & Leadership (20%)

• Supervise and coordinate the work of student employees and research staff
• Hire, train, schedule, and evaluate student workers
• Provide day-to-day direction, technical guidance, and mentorship
• Establish workflows, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures

Logistical Support & Collaboration (10%)

• Track expenditures and assist in managing field station or project-related budgets
• Order supplies and coordinate resource allocation across projects
• Build and maintain relationships with industry partners and external collaborators
• Provide regular updates to research teams and contribute to planning discussions

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, agronomy, turfgrass management, or related discipline, plus four years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least two years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience totaling eight years
• Demonstrated experience managing agricultural or turfgrass research facilities, including field trials or production systems
• Experience operating and maintaining turfgrass and/or agricultural field equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience repairing and maintaining turfgrass or agricultural equipment
• Experience maintaining low height-of-cut turfgrass systems such as those found on golf courses or athletic fields
• Experience applying pesticides and fertilizers across turf systems using various application methods
• Experience supervising staff or leading teams in a research or field operations environment
• Experience scouting for pests and making integrated pest management decisions
• Experience managing irrigation systems, including design, maintenance, and auditing

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and solve complex technical problems

• Strong communication and collaboration skills across diverse teams

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.

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: $29.45 - $31.74 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: Civil-Service

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.

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

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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).