Turf Specialist/Agronomist

By University of Minnesota, 6 hours ago - updated 6 hours ago - St. Paul, Minnesota

Primary Duties 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 (40%) Fine turfgrass maintenance - set up of reel mowers, aeration and topdressing 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 Design new irrigation systems as needed Maintain existing irrigation systems Lead planning for long-term field facility equipment and infrastructure needs Maintain turfgrass management equipment Detailed record keeping of all field activities Research activities (20%) Assist with industry-sponsored research trials, including project initiation and execution Coordinate outside research space use planning 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 Maintain controlled environments (10%) Assist with propagation of plant material in the greenhouse during the winter Maintain controlled environment spaces by coordinating with facilities staff 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 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: https://turf.umn.edu/were-still-hiring-turf-research-field-facility-manager and www.turf.umn.edu and www.horticulture.umn.edu.      If you have questions about this position, please contact Eric Watkins, Professor (phone: 612-624-7496; email: ewatkins@umn.edu)

By SGS Turf Care, November 30 - updated November 30 - Manchester, New Hampshire

Would you like to be part of a team that invests in you?  Do you want to be a part of a small, stable company where you can grow and advance within the company?  How about a company that values your quality of life outside of work?  If you answered YES…..then come join our team! We are looking for a team member who is professional, organized, has a positive attitude, takes great pride in their work, who works well within a team, but can also work independently when needed. This would be an excellent career opportunity for a competent turf specialist looking for a superior work environment, competitive pay and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects.  Basically, the owner is looking for a #2 person who can work with him to continue to grow the company and take it to the next level. SGS Turf Care is a professional turf application and irrigation service company, founded in 2015 by a former golf course superintendent.  The company is well established and has attained double digit revenue growth every year.  We have achieved this because, we pride ourselves in producing high quality turf and providing excellent customer service.  Our focus is on quality not quantity.  As experts in turfgrass management, we offer more than basic lawn service and turf applications.  Our clients include universities, private schools, school districts, high-end residential lawns, and golf courses. Primary Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: ·        Applying fertilizers and chemicals to lawns, golf courses and athletic fields ·        Crew management & training ·        Diagnosing and communicating turf problems for clients ·        Communicating with clients ·        Maintaining records of applications – for clients and state agencies ·        Properly maintaining, loading and transporting equipment ·        Equipment repair and maintenance ·        Irrigation service, repair and maintenance ·        Light snow management duties Secondary Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: ·        Strategic planning ·        Business development Summary of Requirements for the position: ·        Experience applying fertilizers and chemicals. ·        Able to lead a team ·        Have or obtain a NH Operational License - Category G2 ·        Have or obtain a NH Operational License - Category B ·        Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record ·        Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds (fertilizer bags) ·        Computer/tech skills

By Vineyard Golf Club, November 21 - updated November 21 - Edgartown, Massachusetts

Vineyard Golf Club is looking for a Research Manager / Environmental Manager to join our growing team.  Vineyard Golf Club is known as the "Organic" golf club where we strive on being environmental stewards while managing turf at our highest level with severe restrictions.  Our practices don't evolve around synthetic products nor traditional fertilizers.  Our products are natural and organic based.  We rely on a strict nutrient program for healthy turf while promoting healthy turf through cultural practices.  We don't use our restrictions as an excuse. Research Manager at VGC is a newer role we created to continue with our recent success.  Life at VGC is different than most golf courses.  To be successful, we tend to think outside the box and our success stories generally don't happen at other properties.  However, it is our goal that through our success we can educate other turf / property managers.  We need a person to help us get to the next level and put eyes on the prize 24/7. We are looking for someone to: -Help with spray programs on our trial greens -Continue crabgrass trials on rough and lawn grasses -Continue crabgrass trials on bentgrass -Work with Assistants and Project Manager to grow and construct new trials (green, fairway) -Continue weed experiments in natives -Continue our native flower and pollinator fields -Help start and successfully manage bee hive(s) -Continue over-seeding programs on golf course to promote better and sustainable species There will be times where we will need this persons help during morning shifts on golf course. The ideal candidate: -Passionate about turf and landscapes with emphasis on organics -Able to think outside the box -Great record keeping -Able to work at times alone with good direction and supervise interns and other staff when needed -Able to communicate well (we work with local conservation management companies on various property goals) Location & Property: -Martha's Vineyard is an island off the coast of Cape Cod -Miles of beaches, wonderful fishing, great island for biking -Very exclusive, private club -15k rounds, most of those rounds occurring late June through Labor Day -235 acre property (100 acres maintained, own and co-manage 50 acre conservation property adjacent to course) -Brand new 17,000 sq. ft. maintenance building -Continually work with Gil Hanse and team for yearly modifications to golf course -Passionate membership  

By Biltmore Estate, November 16 - Asheville, North Carolina

The starting pay range for this position begins at $16.75/hour but is based on the level of qualifications and relevant experience above the minimum requirements ($16.75 - $17.50/hr).  Full Time: a position working 35+ hours per week. This is a mid-level staff position with responsibilities for grounds and turf maintenance and appearance along with routine equipment operation and maintenance, . The Turf Specialist II will work as part of a crew establishing, mowing, maintaining and improving turf areas on the estate. Other grounds duties include but are not limited to snow and ice removal from pathways, roads and parking areas,, cleanup of storm debris, general trash and debris cleanup. In addition, staff will assist with special projects and events as required. Schedule is typically 7am to 3:30pm but can vary. Essential Job Duties: 1. Mow and trim turf areas using mowers with decks up to 15 feet width. Use of string and blade trimmer, backpack blowers edger, aerifier, hedge clippers, punning shears, shoves, rakes and other hand tools necessary for task completion. 2.Turf establishment and management including aerification, lime and fertilizer application, pesticide application and other standard turf maintenance practices. 3. Performs other basic grounds maintenance duties including but not limited to: general cleanup, trash removal, weeding, sawing, hauling and handling brush. 4. Grading soils to ensure proper drainage and turf growth. 5. Complies with all safety procedures related to duties. 6. Assists guests in a positive, courteous manner. 7. Works in an efficient, productive manner. 8. Follows instructions, written or verbal 9. Applies pesticides or fertilizers with minimal supervision. 10. Works efficiently with minimal supervision. Additional Responsibilities: Appraises turfgrass condition and makes suggestions for improvement in their area related to turf grass maintenance operations. 2. Application of pesticides for control of vegetation or other pests. 3. Attends and successfully completes a variety of training sessions related to job performance or as required. 4. Provide support and assistance for other departments. 5. Assists in training other employees when appropriate. 6. Safely operates chain saws for removing fallen trees, brush from landscapes 7. Assists other departments with holiday and other special events.   Physical Requirements: Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time; must be able to kneel, stoop, bend, reach below and overhead. 2. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs on a regular basis. 3. Must be able to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding as needed. 4. Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions. 5. Ability to work safely with and around pesticides and other chemicals.    

By The Davey Tree Expert Co, November 15 - Gorham, Maine

Gorham, ME, US, 04038 Additional Locations: Portland, ME, Saco, ME, Buxton, ME, Scarborough, ME Primary Locations: GORHAM, ME Requisition ID: 174295   Position Overview Invest in your future.  Join one of the largest employee-owned companies in the nation!  Davey has a unique culture that focuses on the open exchanging of ideas, community partnerships, a commitment to safety and delivering unrivaled client service while acting as industry leaders in horticultural and environmental services. We are currently looking to add a dynamic Lawn Care Technician to our passionate team of tree care professionals. Your office is outdoors, and you get a new view every day! Job Duties What You’ll Do: Cultivate your career and fertilize your future! Properly diagnose insects, weeds, and fungus conditions, as well as pest shelter areas and conducive conditions. Communicate and educate the client regarding the diagnosis and the prescribed pest control, aerification and fertilization service(s) with customers. Continuously monitor lawn quality and fertilizing methods after application and communicate progress to customers and supervisors. Drive, use, maintain and properly operate equipment (truck and sprayer).   What We Offer: * Paid time off and paid holidays Opportunities for advancement All job specific equipment and safety gear provided 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match Employee-owned company & discounted stock purchase options Group Health Plan Employee referral bonus program Locations throughout US in major cities and desirable areas Career Development Program supported by Industry Expert Safety Specialists & Skills Trainers Scholarship Program for Children of Employees Charitable matching gift program   *all listed benefits available to eligible employees   Divisional Overview We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.  As a service provider, our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, regardless of their age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or other protected characteristics as established by federal, state or local law.  The Davey Tree Surgery Company is a subsidiary of The Davey Tree Expert Company and provides a full range of utility tree care services and is based in Livermore, Calif.  Davey Tree has U.S. and Canadian operations in more than 47 states and five provinces and provides a variety of tree care, grounds maintenance and consulting services for the residential, utility, commercial, and government markets. Founded in 1880, Davey has been employee-owned for 40 years and has more than 10,000 employees who provide Proven Solutions for a Growing World. For more information, visit www.davey.com If you need any assistance at any time please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.   Employment Type: Permanent  Job Type: Full Time 

By Plant & Tree Solutions, October 10 - updated October 10 - Greenville, South Carolina

Plant and Tree Solutions is hiring a Full-Time Turf Care Specialist and Equipment Operator. Our company is focused on high-end turf management. We work a normal 5 day/40hour schedule. Weekends and holidays off. Paid vacation.  Excellent pay based on experience. Employee will be responsible for fertilization, chemical applications and integrated pest management for turfgrass using all types of spray equipment. Customer service is an integral part of the position. Must be available for 40 hrs per week.