"Manager-Turfgrass and Grounds Operations, Waterman"

Manager-Turfgrass and Grounds Operations, Waterman

The Ohio State University

Posted: 09-Dec-25

Type: Full-time

Categories: Extension, Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: R141313

As part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Operations team and under the supervision of the Waterman Assistant Director, provides leadership and coordination for implementing turfgrass field research, education and outreach programs at the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Research and Education Facility (Turfgrass Facility) at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory (Waterman) in Columbus, Ohio; provides overall supervision for field operations in managing personnel, grounds, facilities, equipment and fiscal resources to meet teaching, research and extension program objectives; works collaboratively with faculty to implement research projects and applies experimental treatments per project protocols; supervises and participates in performing field operations to establish and maintain turfgrass research plots including tillage, plot layout, fertilization, pesticide application, mowing, irrigation and drainage systems; maintains complete history of records of field operations and prepares reports of operations for investigators; assists extension faculty and staff in planning effective field day and outreach events hosted at the facility; assists faculty with student instruction for lab exercises; sets goals in alignment with research, industry; works with advancement office to seek gift in kind support as opportunities arise; lead the assistant manager of grounds in their responsibility for management of grounds at the Turfgrass Facility and all of Waterman; responsible for overseeing landscape maintenance operations of Waterman; responsible for overseeing snow removal; coordinates the Waterman Grounds Work Group to document proposed solutions for grounds improvements; responsible for procurement of supplies, operation and maintenance of Waterman grounds maintenance and turf equipment; responsible for budget management, in coordination with the Waterman Director; represents OSU Turf Team and CFAES to industry and at state/regional meetings when appropriate; works flexible hours based on peak workload demands; supervises, coaches, hires, trains and evaluates staff, including students; serves as a liaison with industry organizations; maintains effective communications with turfgrass industry professionals, college administration, faculty and staff and general public.

This position supports CFAES Operations by:

• Provide leadership and coordination of staff support (reducing overtime and additional stress on existing staff)
• Serve as a critical liason with faculty/staff/students, and industry partners
• Ensure grounds at Waterman is maintained at a high level (protect investments)
• Build synergies with other Columbus-based outdoor spaces (i.e. Chadwick, Wetlands, etc.).

Education:

Required: Bachelors degree in Food, Agricultural, Environmental Sciences, or related fields OR equivalent work experience.

Desired: Area of study in crop sciences with specialization in turfgrass science. Masters degree or training in turfgrass management.

Experience:

Required: Three years of experience in turfgrass management including golf, sports and/or lawn turf. Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Working knowledge of irrigation, pesticide application, and turf equipment operation. Microsoft Office, email, web browser, and data base management.

Desired: Knowledge of turfgrass field research methods and experimental design. Experience with student experiential learning methods in a field based environment.

Landscape and/or snow removal experience.

Supervises: One to two staff, and four to seven student employees

Salary Range: $58,700-$77,200/annual. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, units available budget, and the candidates qualifications

Location: Waterman Turfgrass Foundation, Columbus, OH

Posting open until the end of December.

This job profile is a Manager 1 , Agriculture Administration (M1 level) on the career roadmap.