"Assistant Professor of Practice, Greenhouse Management"

Position Overview

• Distribution of Effort: 90% Teaching undergraduate greenhouse management and/or plant science courses as assigned; grades assignments and submits grades; holds office hours; course and curriculum development and 10% service activities.
• Position Track: Professional Practice - Teaching, full-time, 9-month appointment
• The university will not sponsor candidates for work visas for this position

Position Location

Wooster, Ohio - The position reports to the Director of the Agricultural Technical Institute (Ohio State ATI) located on The Ohio State University Wooster campus.

Performance Objectives

• Teach approximately seven courses per year.
• Serve as the Greenhouse Management Program Coordinator by working with the division chair and associated faculty at Ohio State ATI and in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture and Crop Sciences to develop syllabi, curriculum, assessment measures and the schedule of classes.
• Assist with identifying and onboarding associated faculty as needed.
• Be actively involved in student recruitment and orientation.
• Mentor undergraduate Greenhouse Management students.
• Coordinate with greenhouse staff.
• Work collaboratively with university and Ohio State ATI faculty and staff, and/or OSU extension, government agencies, non-government organizations, and/or community groups to advance the land grant mission of the college and university.
• Serve the Institute, College, University, and professional communities through committee work, service, leadership, and other appropriate responsibilities and activities.
• Participate in professional development activities related to their discipline and the scholarship of teaching.

Position Description

The individual will teach courses in greenhouse management with an emphasis on greenhouse environmental controls, perennial production, vegetable production, production of annuals, and plant propagation; The individual will also coordinate with the greenhouse manager to provide oversight to the Greenhouse Leadership, Internship, and Practicum courses. Ability to teach other general plant courses including plant diseases, plant identification, and pesticides is highly desirable depending upon instructional needs and the individuals background, experience, and interest. Excellence in teaching and highly developed communication skills is expected.

The individual will provide leadership to academic programs as assigned, assist in course and curriculum development related to greenhouse management academic programs; attend academic program-related, division, and institute meetings; participate in professional development programs related to greenhouse management and the scholarship of teaching; serve on committees as needed; and develops and/or enhances strong working relationships with the greenhouse management industry. The individual will serve as a faculty mentor for greenhouse management students, an advisor to student organizations, and assist with student recruitment activities.

The hire is expected to participate in professional development programs related to greenhouse management and plant sciences disciplines; provide program leadership; serve on committees as needed; and attend academic program-related, division, and institute meetings. Assist with academic advising, student organization advising, and recruitment activities.

Professional practice faculty (regardless of rank) - persons with the titles of professor, associate professor, assistant professor of practice and instructor who serve on appointments totaling 50% or more service to the university and who are eligible for reappointment and promotion. Duties and responsibilities are assigned in accordance with the workload guidelines laid out in the pattern of administration of each faculty members tenure initiation unit (TIU) and, as appropriate, regional campus; obligations may include research, service and/or teaching or clinical practice. These faculty will have earned a doctorate or other terminal degree in the relevant field of study or possession of equivalent experience.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required Education

MS with a major in greenhouse or controlled environment management, plant sciences, or a closely related discipline.

Desired Education

PhD in greenhouse or controlled environment management, plant sciences, or a closely related discipline.

Required Experience

Prior classroom teaching experience in undergraduate greenhouse management or plant science education.

Desired Experience

Five years of work experience (employment) in greenhouse management or plant science industries is desired.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday. https://hr.osu.edu/careers/ Requisition # R139874

A complete application consists of:

• cover letter
• curriculum vitae
• teaching statements (no more than two pages)
• list of three references combined into a single PDF.

Initial consideration will be given to applications received by January 15, 2026. Review of applications will continue until the position has been filled.

We welcome informal inquiries, which can be made by contacting the Search Committee Chair, Thomas Janini at janini.4@osu.edu. Individuals with questions about fit for the position are encouraged to contact the search committee chair. All inquiries and applications will be kept confidential.