Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
The Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland College Park was first established in 1888 and currently it fosters research at all levels (e.g., molecular, cellular, organismic, and ecosystem) related to sustainable food and fiber production with economic and environmental viability. Researchers within the six academic departments in AGNR and other Colleges use both campus-based research laboratories and four Research and Education Centers composed of 8 Facilities located across different land resource and physiographic regions of Maryland to conduct state-of-the-art research.

Position Summary:
Assists Facility Manager in the daily operations of turfgrass research at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center-Paint Branch Turfgrass Facility. Carries out fieldwork including tilling, planting, fertilizing, spraying, and mowing turfgrass plots. Operates equipment including farm tractors, skid steer, sprayers, mowers, and other turf management equipment. Operates, calibrates, and maintains the irrigation equipment. Carries out routine maintenance of equipment, grounds, and facilities. Assists researchers in the implementation of research protocols. Provides assistance to instructors with the lab portions of their classes in the field. Communicates with the general public and gives tours of the facility and its research.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, or related field
• Experience managing turfgrass (golf course, sports turf, residential lawn, etc.)
• Experience conducting field research
• Ability to use, maintain, and repair turfgrass equipment

Physical Demands:
• Heavy lifting.
• Extreme weather conditions.
• Hazardous materials (pesticides and fertilizers).
• Working environment may have allergens: dust, mold, grasses, etc.
• Must wear and work in personal protective equipment.

Licenses/ Certifications:
• Maryland Class C non-commercial driver’s license.
• Maryland Public Agency Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate or obtain within 18 months of employment.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE: Three years on agricultural research utilizing scientific methods.

OTHER:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Comprehensive knowledge of farming practices and equipment usage. Thorough knowledge of and ability to use scientific methods and related laboratory equipment in agricultural research. Thorough knowledge of mathematics including algebra, area, volume, weights, measures, and proportions and ability to perform mathematical calculations. Thorough knowledge and skill in the use of farm equipment. Ability to provide guidance and training to agricultural technicians and workers; to use computers; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to lift and transport agricultural supplies, tools, and equipment, to climb, and to perform extensive standing and walking; to work in extreme weather conditions; to wear and work in personal protective equipment.

OTHER:

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), non-commercial Class B or equivalent driver's license valid in the State of Maryland may be required. If required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License, employees will be subjected to drug and alcohol education and testing as required under Federal Highway Administration and the State of Maryland regulations. Certification by the Maryland Department of Agriculture as a pesticide applicator may be required. Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job.

Additional Job Details

 Posting Close Date: October 27, 2026

 

Open Until Filled: No

 

Job Risks

Respiratory Protection

Financial Disclosure Required

No

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

AGNR-AES-CMREC-Turfgrass Research Facility

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$48,138.00 - $57,766.00

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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